Research Associate - Report on Cotton Growing in India

Project Overview

Pilio is looking for a research associate to do a desk-based study on India’s cotton sector. We are developing sustainable cotton solutions for the global fashion and textile industry in the areas of climate, biodiversity and livelihoods.

The objective of this project is to produce a comprehensive report on cotton growing in India, detailing production, challenges, economic impact, sustainability practices, and connections to UK fashion brands. The Research Associate will conduct a primarily desk-based study, supplemented by targeted stakeholder interviews, to compile data and present findings in a well-structured report to inform stakeholders and support strategic decision-making.

Scope of Work

1. Research and Data Collection

• Historical Context: Investigate the history of cotton cultivation in India, including its origins, evolution, and significance to the agricultural sector.

• Geographical Distribution: Identify major cotton-growing regions in India (e.g., Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana), mapping production zones and regional variations.

• Production Statistics: Gather data on annual cotton production (in bales or metric tons), yield per hectare, and trends over the past 10 years.

• Farming Practices: Document common cultivation methods, including seed types (e.g., Bt cotton, conventional), irrigation techniques (drip, flood), and use of fertilizers/pesticides.

• Economic Impact: Analyze the contribution of cotton to India’s agricultural GDP, employment generation, and export revenue, including trade partners and market dynamics.

• UK Fashion Brands: Research UK fashion brands sourcing cotton from India, identifying key players, supply chain practices, volumes sourced, and their reliance on Indian cotton.

• Challenges: Examine key challenges such as water scarcity, pest issues (e.g., bollworm), climate change impacts, soil degradation, and farmer indebtedness.

• Sustainability Practices:

o Investigate adoption of sustainable methods, including organic cotton farming and water conservation techniques.

o Analyze greenhouse gas emissions from cotton farming, including energy use, fertilizer application, and transportation.

o Assess impacts on biodiversity, such as effects of monoculture, pesticide use, and land-use changes.

o Review government or NGO-led initiatives promoting sustainability.

• Research Institutes and Pilot Programs:

o Document the work of research institutes (e.g., Central Institute for Cotton Research) on cotton farming, including innovations in seeds, pest

management, and yields.

o Investigate pilot programs by organizations (e.g., NGOs, private sector, government) testing sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation,

agroecology, or precision agriculture.

• Policy and Support: Review government policies, subsidies, minimum support prices (MSP), and programs by agencies like the Cotton Corporation of India or Ministry of Agriculture.

2. Methodology

• Desk-Based Research: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature and data from credible sources, including government reports (e.g., Ministry of Textiles, Agricultural Statistics), academic journals, industry publications, and international organizations (e.g., FAO, ICAC).

• Data Analysis: Use quantitative methods to analyze production trends, economic metrics, emission data, and yield statistics; incorporate qualitative insights from interviews on challenges, sustainability, and pilot programs.

3. Deliverables

• Draft Report: A preliminary report summarizing findings, with sections for history, geography, production, economics, UK fashion brands, challenges, sustainability (emissions and biodiversity), research institutes, pilot programs, and policy.

• Final Report: A polished, 20-30 page document (excluding appendices), including:

o Executive summary

o Introduction

o Detailed sections per research areas above

o Data visualizations (charts, maps, tables)

o Conclusions and recommendations

o References and citations

• Presentation: A 10-15 slide PowerPoint summary of key findings for stakeholder review.

4. Timeline – 4-6 weeks

• Week 1: Project kickoff, research planning, and source identification

• Weeks 2-3: Desk-based data collection and analyze data, and prepare draft report

• Week 4-5: Prepare draft, review and revisions based on feedback

• Week 6: Final report submission and presentation delivery

5. Budget

• $2,000 USD

6. Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Economics, Environmental Science, or related field

• Experience in desk-based research, data analysis, and report writing

• Familiarity with India’s agricultural sector, cotton industry, and sustainability metrics

• Strong analytical, communication, and interview skills

7. Reporting

• The Research Associate will report to the Project Manager, providing weekly updates on progress, challenges, and resource needs.

• Feedback on the draft report will be provided within 5 business days of submission.

8. Success Criteria

• Delivery of a comprehensive, accurate, and well-organized report by the deadline

• Inclusion of reliable data, citation, clear visualizations, and actionable

recommendations

• Adherence to the scope, addressing all specified research areas, including UK brands,

emissions, biodiversity, and pilot programs

9. To apply

Send your CV to ella@piliogroup.com by 15th June 2025.