Written by According to the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International, Cotton is Pakistan’s largest industrial sector. Despite its size, the industry faces challenges, with up to 15% of its value lost due to traditional agricultural practices.
Artistic Fabric Mills (AFM) launched the afm.Regenerative Cotton project last year to address these issues. The initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and support farmers in Balochistan, Pakistan. Recently, AFM announced that their farms are the first in Pakistan to receive Regenagri certification from Control Union, an organization setting standards for regenerative agriculture.
AFM’s production facilities were already Regenagri certified, ensuring traceability and eco-conscious practices throughout the cotton processing chain “from farm to fashion.” The project covers farms in the Barkhan region of Balochistan, encompassing over 500 farms across 7,600 acres. AFM aims to scale up regenerative cotton farming, collaborating closely with stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture and drive positive change in the denim industry.
To protect regenerative crops, AFM employs natural pest control methods, integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, and organic fertilizers derived from waste, plants, and herbs. These practices eliminate the use of toxic chemicals and pesticides.
The project also supports local communities by promoting fair labor practices and engaging female farmers in the region. AFM emphasizes continuous improvement in farming practices, measuring aspects like soil health management, livestock management, and environmental impact.
AFM’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability in regenerative cotton farming aims to influence the global textile market positively. They hope their efforts will inspire others to adopt greener practices.