Completion of the HREDD Capacity Building and Risk Assessment of Chetna Organic- An initiative under the ISEAL Innovations Fund

Project Overview

Through the ISEAL Innovations Fund and supported by Fairtrade NAPPs partnership with Fairtrade Finland, Chetna Organic Agriculture Producer Company Limited (COAPCL) underwent a 02-year structured HREDD strengthening process designed to build long-term due-diligence capacity within producer organizations.

The project focused on:

• Training and orientation on Introdcution to HREDD principles 
• Conducting internal human rights and environmental risk assessment
• Developing Risk mitigation and action plans, and identifying three salient supply-chain risks
• Hosting two structured producer-buyer dialogue sessions

This capacity-building process empowers producers to proactively identify and address human rights and environmental risks while aligning with evolving responsible-sourcing expectations.

Engaging Producers and Buyers Through Dialogue sessions

As the culmination of the HREDD process, two structured producer–buyer dialogue sessions were held in September and October 2025 in Odisha, bringing farmer representatives, Chetna leadership, Fairtrade NAPP experts, and the buyer team together in a hybrid format. These sessions created a shared space for constructive discussion, learning, and collaborative planning, marking a milestone moment in producer-driven due diligence in the cotton sector.

During both dialogues, Chetna presented the full findings of its HREDD risk assessment, including key human rights and environmental risks identified across farming communities through field consultations and farmer engagements. This process enabled Chetna to demonstrate strong ownership and leadership in assessing its supply-chain risks and establishing systems for early identification and response. The buyer then shared its expectations on due diligence and compliance, emphasising the importance of transparency, traceability, and proactive risk management aligned with evolving global sourcing requirements. These discussions helped both parties align on standards, reporting expectations, and long-term supply-chain responsibilities.

The sessions also served as a collaborative platform to jointly identify mitigation actions and clarify roles in addressing the salient risks. Chetna outlined proposed community-level interventions, worker-voice mechanisms, and farm-level environmental improvements, while the buyer expressed readiness to support capacity building, technical knowledge sharing, and continued engagement. Together, both parties confirmed their commitment to shared responsibility in risk management and long-term transparency, recognising due diligence as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time compliance exercise.

A key highlight of the dialogues was the strong participation of farmer directors who, many for the first time, spoke directly with an international buyer about their realities, challenges, and aspirations. Their voices strengthened the authenticity and relevance of the discussions, showcasing the importance of including producer perspectives at the heart of responsible sourcing systems. Farmers expressed confidence in the process and appreciation for being able to participate from their home region, reinforcing fairness, dignity, and inclusion in supply-chain decision-making.

Together, these dialogues resulted in a shared understanding of key supply-chain risks and jointly agreed actions to address them. An accountability and follow-up roadmap was created to track progress, review milestones, and ensure that implementation remains continuous and measurable. With farmers confidently engaging in direct buyer dialogue and both sides committing to sustained cooperation, the HREDD process at Chetna stands as a strong example of participatory, farmer-centred due diligence in action.

“It was my first time talking to the buyer as a farmer. I felt very good. I hope this relationship continues and farmers get fair prices.”- Dingar Patel, Farmer Member

“I was happy I could stay in my village and speak directly with the buyer about our challenges. I hope for continued cooperation and support.”- Himansu Padhan- Farmer Member

Results and Impact

The ISEAL-supported initiative delivered:

•  A completed risk assessment and HREDD action plan
• Identification of three key salient risks
• Strengthened internal due-diligence capacity
• Enhanced producer–buyer transparency
• Co-developed risk-mitigation commitments
• Farmer empowerment and direct engagement

These outcomes provide a strong base for continued HREDD implementation and monitoring within Chetna’s cotton ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration

Although the ISEAL Innovations Fund project has concluded for Chetna Organic, the journey continues. Fairtrade and the buyer will jointly support Chetna in:

• Implementing the HREDD action plan
• Accessing resources and funding to address key risks
• Strengthening capacity and monitoring systems
• Enhancing sustainable and responsible supply-chain practices

This ensures that the gains made under the project are sustained and scaled for long-term human rights and environmental impact.

The completion of this project signals a meaningful advancement toward ethical trade practices in India’s cotton sector. Chetna Organic’s commitment—alongside the collaboration of Fairtrade NAPP, the buyer, and the ISEAL Innovations Fund—has set a powerful example of producer-driven due-diligence leadership.

Acknowledgement

Fairtrade NAPP extends heartfelt gratitude to its partners.  This project was possible thanks to a grant from the ISEAL Innovations Fund, which is supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECOI, for their invaluable support in enabling this transformative HREDD journey with Chetna Organic. Their partnership and commitment were instrumental in building producer-level capacity, facilitating meaningful dialogue with buyers, and laying the foundation for long-term responsible sourcing practices.

We also thank the participating buyers, producer representatives, and farmer leaders whose active engagement and dedication ensured the success of this initiative. Together, we demonstrated the power of collaboration in advancing human rights, environmental stewardship, and resilience across the cotton supply chain.