Beyond the Bale
Fairtrade Premium Driving Transformation for cotton farmers and workers in South Asian Sourcing Pvt. Ltd, Pakistan
South Asian Sourcing Pvt. Ltd, a fairtrade cotton producer organisation in Pakistan isn’t just cultivating cotton—it's growing possibilities, dignity, and a better future for over 800 smallholder farmers. What began as a vision in 2017 to create a fair, sustainable supply chain has evolved into a story of transformation fueled by the power of Fairtrade.
With over 10,000 acres of land under Fairtrade cultivation and an estimated potential of 12,000 MT of seed cotton, the organization is weaving ethical principles into every fiber it produces. Beyond producing high-quality cotton, South Asian Sourcing is creating lasting impact—thanks to the Fairtrade Premium, which has helped uplift entire communities through better incomes, improved working conditions, and access to critical social services. The organization’s reach extends into the global marketplace, with certified sales supporting fabric and textile exports to ethical buyers in the EU and USA. Its commitment to quality and integrity is further reinforced by additional certifications under EU Regulation 2018 and USDA NOP standards.
Rooted in the mission to build a sustainable and equitable ecosystem for cotton farmers, South Asian Sourcing has embraced a holistic approach—integrating regenerative agriculture, organic conversion, and water conservation into its operations. Seed cotton is cultivated under Fairtrade standards, spun into fiber, and transformed into quality textiles like bed sheets and towels, forming an indigenous supply chain that is transparent, ethical, and inclusive. The organization’s belief in dignity, respect, and empowerment for every farmer has been the driving force behind its Fairtrade journey.
Before Fairtrade: The Struggles Beneath the Surface
Before Fairtrade certification, farmers faced numerous challenges — including unfairly low cotton prices, limited market access, and a lack of training in sustainable practices. Poor working conditions, inadequate community facilities, and environmental degradation due to unsustainable farming methods further weakened their livelihoods. The widespread use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers further worsened the situation, degrading the soil, polluting water sources, and endangering the health of farming communities.
Fairtrade Premium: A New Thread of Possibility
When South Asian Sourcing embraced Fairtrade certification in 2017 to address these challenges, they stitched a new pattern of empowerment, equity, and ecological care. The Fairtrade Premium became more than just extra income, reshaping reality for their farmers and workers.
The Premium Committee consists of eight key members who play a crucial role in ensuring the Fairtrade Premium is allocated effectively to enhance farmers' and workers' economic and social well-being. Through an inclusive process involving stakeholder consultations, data collection, and the evaluation of past projects, the priority areas for development are selected. Farmers and workers submit project proposals addressing key social, economic, and environmental challenges, which the Premium Committee carefully reviews for feasibility, impact, and alignment with long-term goals. Projects are then voted on, approved at the General Assembly, and implemented with clear monitoring systems in place.
Social Projects: Fairtrade Education Assistance Program and Gender Equality Initiatives
In the year 2022, South Asian Sourcing, as part of its General Education Assistance Program, extended benefits to all children of Fairtrade cotton producers and 100% of the students in government schools situated within the Fairtrade producer’s community.
The Premium has funded the distribution of school bags, stationery supplies, uniforms, shoes, lunch boxes and water bottles to over 1,090 children, transforming access to education. Schools were revitalized in five villages, while thousands gained access to clean drinking water through sanitation projects.
The impacts created through these projects as part of the Education Assistance Program are as follows:
- Improved Quality of Education: By providing quality consumables to primary students for the entire academic session, the program helps enhance student retention and interest in school life.
- Level playing field/equal approach for gender and income group: The Education Assistance Program ensures that every student in the schools, regardless of gender, caste, or the profession of parents, receives the facility. This promotes equal access to education for all students in the community.
- Improved Student Lifestyle and Self-Respect: By providing quality gear for school life, the program enhances the students’ overall lifestyle and self-esteem.
- Improved Academic Results: The availability of quality stationery with every student allows schools to impart education more effectively, creating a positive learning environment.
- Social Exposure for Young Students: The program promotes healthy interaction, competition, and social interaction with other schools, providing valuable social exposure.
- Increase in Overall School Enrolment: The Education Assistance Program has had a significant impact on school enrolment. When non-school-going children and their parents witness the support provided to school-going children, they are more inclined to enroll their own children in school.
- Benefiting parents: Education Assistance Program especially benefited the parents of the students as a financial burden of school expenses is lifted.
"In South Punjab, families tend to be larger compared to those in Central Punjab. The cost of stationery and uniforms places a significant burden on already limited family incomes. This initiative has been incredibly helpful."
— Aftab Bajwa, Fairtrade cotton producer
Economic Sustainability: Strengthening Roots
Economically, the Premium facilitated a paradigm shift—training farmers in regenerative and organic farming, improving cotton yield and quality, and introducing value-addition strategies post-harvest. Moreover, by securing direct access to markets, farmers were able to bypass exploitative middlemen, ensuring fairer prices and greater control over their produce.
Environmental Sustainability: Climart Smart Practices
South Asian Sourcing Pvt. Ltd. is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, implementing initiatives that restore ecosystems, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen climate resilience. A cornerstone of this effort is the Tree Planting Initiative, which promotes afforestation and reforestation to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and combat climate change through increased carbon sequestration.
The company also drives Organic Conversion, supporting farmers in transitioning to certified organic farming by eliminating synthetic inputs and adopting eco-friendly techniques that sustain soil fertility and long-term productivity. To reduce reliance on fossil fuels, Renewable Energy Integration projects have introduced solar-powered irrigation systems, lowering carbon emissions and boosting energy efficiency across farming operations.
Through targeted Climate Resilience Training, farmers have embraced sustainable practices, including regenerative and organic cotton farming, resulting in a 40% reduction in chemical use. These efforts are reinforced by Water Conservation initiatives, such as the adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems that minimize water wastage while enhancing cotton fiber quality.
Simultaneously, Soil Health Restoration projects—including large-scale tree planting—boost biodiversity and improve overall crop performance. All of these initiatives are underpinned by comprehensive capacity-building programs in regenerative agriculture, Fairtrade principles, and sustainable water management, ensuring that environmental stewardship goes hand-in-hand with improved livelihoods.
solar-powered irrigation systems
Challenges: Learning, Growing, Adapting
Every meaningful journey comes with its share of challenges, and South Asian Sourcing's Fairtrade journey is no different. Spreading awareness and understanding of Fairtrade principles among hundreds of farmers is a gradual, ongoing process. Climate change continues to pose serious threats, with unpredictable weather patterns and increasing pressure on natural resources. Sustaining active, community-wide participation also requires consistent effort, trust-building, and engagement. Yet, these challenges are not setbacks—they are stepping stones that inspire innovation, strengthen resilience, and deepen the commitment to creating a fairer, more sustainable future.
Looking Ahead: The Threads Yet to Be Woven
Looking ahead, South Asian Sourcing envisions a thriving cotton sector driven by regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable practices. Every training session and community-led project brings us closer to a future where cotton is more than a crop—it becomes a catalyst for social justice, economic empowerment, and environmental harmony.