Design Delight Studio

Subject: 🌱

You asked. We answered. Cotton grows in the monsoon season. It matters for farmers, nature, and your clothes. You care about water, farmers, and ethics. We share the story of cotton in monsoon farming with expert views, real challenges, and simple tips.

🔍 Water Use: Managing Cotton in Rainfed Monsoon Conditions

Cotton drinks much water. To get 1 kg, it needs about 10,000 liters (Control Union Global, 2024). Rainfed farming in tropical lands like India’s Nimar and Maharashtra uses rain instead of extra irrigation.

Vishal Shinde, General Manager at Control Union, says, “About 40% of global cotton is grown without irrigation.” The NICE Standard asks brands to back rainfed farms. This helps keep groundwater and surface water safe.

🚩 Highlight:
250 billion tons of water are used yearly in global cotton farming; 42% is from groundwater (Control Union, 2024)

• Pick cotton brands that use certified rainfed cotton.
• Ask for better water care training for cotton regions.
• Back rules that save groundwater in farming.
• Try organic cotton that uses rainfed methods.
• Avoid cotton from drought-hit or over-irrigated fields.

🔍 Carbon Emissions: How Monsoon Change Affects Cotton’s Climate Footprint

Irregular monsoons cause floods and waterlogging. They harm cotton in India’s main cotton lands (The Cool Down Company, 2025). These events force farmers to replant and add more fertilizer. This raises carbon emissions.

Matthew Swigonski, Agriculture Correspondent, says, “Too much water harms roots and lowers yields.” He warns that harsh rains can hurt farmers’ income.

🚩 Highlight:
Flooding damaged 40,000 acres of cotton in Hisar district (The Cool Down Company, 2025)

• Support actions that reduce carbon emissions.
• Back regenerative and organic methods that build soil.
• Use intercropping and mix crops to ease climate risks.
• Invest in smart drainage and water systems.
• Choose brands that lower emissions in their chains.

🔍 Chemical Inputs: Organic & Intercropping Benefits in Monsoon Cotton Farming

Remei India shows that organic cotton grown in monsoons does well when intercropped with plants like green grams (Remei Group, 2025). This mix helps the soil. It cuts down the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Drip irrigation and natural nutrients add to the benefit.

A Remei spokesperson says, “Multiple crops spread risk and help soil.” Mixing cotton with crops like moringa brings benefits.

🚩 Highlight:
Using organic cotton with intercropping cuts synthetic chemicals. This boosts soil health and biodiversity (Remei Group, 2025)

• Pick certified organic cotton to avoid harmful chemicals.
• Choose brands that use smart pest and nutrient plans.
• Support training in crop rotation and intercropping.
• Use irrigation wisely to stop chemical leaching.
• Ask for clear supply chain details about inputs.

🔍 Recycling & Circularity: Extending Cotton’s Life in a Monsoon Context

The focus here is on growing cotton. Yet, pairing rainfed cotton with recycling lifts its value. Brands that source low-water, low-chemical cotton can build circular textile systems. This step cuts waste and protects nature.

🚩 Highlight:
Verification systems like the NICE Standard help brands prove their cotton is grown well (Control Union, 2024)

• Choose clothes made from certified sustainable cotton.
• Back take-back and recycling plans that keep cotton in use.
• Prefer brands that share full supply chain details.
• Encourage new recycling methods that suit rainfed cotton.
• Learn more about sustainable cotton’s life from start to finish.

❓ FAQ: Can Cotton Be Sustainable in an Unpredictable Monsoon?

Yes. Heavy rains can cause waterlogging. Yet, rainfed farming in pure cotton regions, with organic methods and NICE standards, keeps the soil strong. It cuts water use and aids farmers. Steps to adapt and reduce climate change are key to resilience.

👉 Ready to choose sustainable cotton that cares for our planet and helps farmers? Visit Environmental Impact of Cotton: Your Questions Answered for tips and help.

Warm regards,
Your Sustainable Textile Team

Sources:

1. Control Union Global, “Sustainable Cotton Cultivation Unveiled: Rainfed Farming and the NICE Standard,” Jan 2024 — https://controlunion.com
2. The Cool Down Company, “Farmers devastated by monsoon floods destroying cotton crops,” Sept 2025 — https://thecooldown.com
3. Remei Group, “Rainy season at Remei India: Organic cotton in monsoon farming,” 2025 — https://remei.ch
4. First Insight Inc., “The State of Consumer Spending: Gen Z Shoppers Demand Sustainable Retail,” 2023

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