Better Cotton, one of the world's largest cotton sustainability initiatives, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tajikistan, as first Central Asian country to enhance their partnership and promote the production of sustainable cotton.

The MoU was signed at the Tajikistan Investment and Development Forum in London. The partnership aims to expand sustainable cotton production in Tajikistan with a focus on environmental, social outcomes and overall agricultural sustainability. Both parties will develop a strategic roadmap for sustainable cotton production in Tajikistan based on the Better Cotton Standard System and the requirements of the global market.

Tajikistan is the first country in Central Asia to work with the Better Cotton Initiative. The country already hosts 1,057 licensed farmers, producing 14,000 tons of better cotton harvested on 14,000 hectares of land. Better is engaging with other stakeholders to boost demand for Tajikistan's more sustainably grown cotton and further support its cotton farming sector.