In recent years, the pervasive influence of “fast fashion” has inundated our lives. The artificial demand for ever-new, inexpensive clothing on a daily basis has severe repercussions for the well-being of our planet.
Behind the vibrant fabrics lies the hardship that millions of people endure in the countries housing the factories and facilitating raw material production. An insurmountable environmental disaster unfolds, marked by water pollution caused by toxic plant effluents and a scarcity of clean water due to the vast amounts utilized in cotton cultivation, ultimately resulting in devastating consequences for entire populations.
Cotton, predominantly cultivated in the rural regions of India, faces challenges such as soil depletion due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers to meet production demands. This, coupled with recurrent droughts, has led to zero yields. Consequently, farmers have resorted to using genetically modified seeds that promise higher yields. However, these seeds are considerably more expensive than traditional ones and are non-reproductive, necessitating replacement after each harvest. Despite the higher efficiency these seeds purportedly offer, many farmers find that their cotton yields fall short of expectations. To cope with the financial strain, most are compelled to seek loans, either through illegal usurers or formal banking channels. While this provides a temporary solution, it merely assists in securing the essentials for a successful harvest.
The relentless cycle of pressure, debt, substandard living conditions and the loss of loved ones due to pollution and infections, plunges numerous farmers into despair. Shockingly, the past three decades have witnessed 296,438 recorded suicides among cotton growers, translating to one person every 15 minutes. Tragically, farmers’ suicides constitute the highest number of suicides globally.