World Cotton Day, celebrated annually on October 7, highlights the importance of cotton in the global economy, especially in the lives of millions of small-scale farmers and workers. Cotton is a crucial cash crop that supports industries across textiles, apparel, and various other sectors. Cotton holds immense significance in India because of its role in agriculture, exports, and industrial development.
India is one of the world's largest cotton producers, making a significant contribution to the global cotton supply. As of 2024, India is the second-largest producer of cotton, following China. Indian cotton is known for its diverse varieties and qualities, ranging from short-staple to extra-long-staple cotton, which is essential for different segments of the textile industry.
The country produces approximately 6-7 million metric tonnes of cotton annually, accounting for around 23-25% of global production. India's cotton cultivation covers approximately 13 million hectares, making it the largest cotton-cultivating country in terms of land under cotton production.
Key Cotton-Producing States in India
Cotton is primarily a Kharif crop, grown in areas with favorable climatic conditions. The major cotton-producing states in India are located in the western, central, and southern regions of the country. These states account for over 90% of India's total cotton production.
Gujarat: The largest cotton producer in India, Gujarat contributes around 30–35% of the country's cotton production. The state has vast areas under cotton cultivation, particularly in districts like Surendranagar, Rajkot, and Junagadh.
Maharashtra: The second-largest cotton-producing state, Maharashtra accounts for 20-25% of India’s total cotton output. The major cotton-growing areas are the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions, with the districts of Yavatmal, Amravati, and Jalgaon prominent.
Telangana: Telangana is a significant player in cotton production, especially after the state's formation in 2014. The districts of Adilabad and Nalgonda are major contributors, with Telangana accounting for 10-12% of India’s cotton output.
Andhra Pradesh: The districts of Guntur, Prakasam, and Kurnool primarily produce the state's cotton.
Rajasthan: Rajasthan is a major producer of long staple cotton, which is in demand for high-quality textile products. The districts of Hanumangarh and Ganganagar are the primary cotton-producing regions.
Madhya Pradesh: The state produces a significant amount of cotton, particularly in the western parts, such as Indore, Ujjain, and Khargone.
Punjab and Haryana: These northern states also contribute to the cotton economy, particularly with high-yielding hybrid cotton varieties.
India is a major cotton exporter, supplying raw cotton, cotton yarn, and textiles to several countries around the world. The quality, price competitiveness, and diverse range of Indian cotton make it highly sought after. India is the world's second-largest cotton exporter after the United States.
The primary export markets for Indian cotton include countries like China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia. India exports around 1.5–2 million bales of cotton annually, with China being the largest importer of Indian cotton due to its extensive textile industry. Bangladesh, with its booming ready-made garment industry, is another key importer of Indian cotton yarn and fabrics.
India’s cotton export market also benefits from its strong spinning and textile sector, which converts raw cotton into yarn and finished textiles for export. India is the world's largest exporter of cotton yarn, with Indian mills supplying high-quality yarn to markets across Europe, the US, and Asia.
Cotton is the backbone of India's textile industry, which employs millions of people. We transform Indian cotton into a wide range of fabrics, including muslin, khadi, denim, and fine textiles, catering to both domestic and global markets.
Cotton by-products, especially cottonseed, are used to extract cottonseed oil, which is widely used in the food industry as cooking oil.
Livestock uses cottonseed cake, a by-product of cottonseed oil extraction, as a high-protein feed.
The healthcare industry relies on cotton for the production of bandages, gauze, and other medical supplies.
Cotton's versatility extends beyond textiles, as evidenced by its use in the production of various consumer goods like sanitary products, wipes, and cotton balls.
India's economy and culture deeply integrate cotton, making it a top producer and exporter with a thriving textile industry. As the world moves towards sustainability and eco-friendly practices, India’s cotton sector is poised to adopt greener methods, ensuring its continued growth and contribution to global markets.
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