Marks & Spencer has expanded its Better Cotton scheme, increasing the number of Indian farmers involved to 20,000.

Part of its Plan A environmental programme, Better Cotton was launched in 2009 and looked at how cotton could be grown in a better way and achieved significant reductions in water and pesticide use as well increased profitability for over 6,000 farmers in the Andhra Pradesh region. Last year water use dropped 51%, 53% less synthetic fertiliser was used and the use of the active ingredient of pesticide was cut by 81%.

Cotton from the Warangal project will be used in a wide range of the chain’s homeware and clothing later this year.

 ‘Phase two of Warangal is a significant investment for us and it brings with it a significant reduction in the impact cotton grown in Warangal has on the environment. It also helps to improve the health and safety of the farmers as well as making more money for them by improving how they manage their crop by reducing the costs of inputs such as pesticides and fertilisers,’ says Mark Sumner, Marks & Spencer cotton specialist.

In addition to the work with farmers, phase two of the project will also look at the effect the project is having on the local water supply. This will give an indication of whether or not the project is improving the availability of water for the local population and environment.

Plan A is Marks & Spencer's eco and ethical programme which aims to make M&S the world's most sustainable major retailer by 2015. Launched in 2007 and extended in March 2010, it takes a holistic approach to sustainability focusing on involving customers, involving all areas of the business and tackling issues such as climate change, waste, raw materials, health and being a fair partner.

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