Child bondage continues in Indian cotton supply chain
The recent trends in employment of child labour in hybrid cottonseed production in different states in India clearly indicate that the overall number of children employed in this sector is on the rise. The conditions in the fields continue to be very unsafe and exploitative for the children. The children are made to work long hours and are paid less than market and official minimum wages. They are also exposed to poisonous pesticides used in high quantities in cottonseed cultivation and are often trafficked as migrants from other places. The existing employment practices in cottonseed farms result in the denial of rights of children and violate many national laws and international conventions. The aim of the present study is to examine the current situation and recent trends in employment of child labour in hybrid cottonseed farms in four Indian states namely Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamilnadu and Karnataka in the context of recent developments in the industry.