Cotton Production In India

• 18 Apr 2019

Why is it in News?

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, in a recent report has estimated a drop in the production of cotton in India due to the droughts in cotton growing states.

About Cotton Crop:

• It is a kharif crop that is generally sown in April and harvested in December.
• Temperature- It needs 20-30 degree Celsius temperature.
• Rainfall- 75-100 cm of moderate rainfall required
• Cotton is very sensitive to rainfall; it needs rain during the sowing season only, if rain happens during harvesting, it will lead to pest attacks on the cotton balls as these balls will absorb the moisture which favour pests.
• It needs 210 frost free days.
• Regur soil of Deccan region is more favourable for cotton production in India, but it is also produced in regions having Loamy & Alluvial Soil.
• Cotton quality is decided by its Fibre Length, which is called Staple.
• a)Long Staple Cotton- 24-27 mm length
• b)Medium Staple Cotton- 20-24mm length
• c)Short Staple Cotton: 20mm length

Related Facts:

• India is the only country where all 4 cultivated species of cotton is grown.
• India has the largest area under cotton production in the world.
• India is the 2^nd largest producer of cotton in the world after China.
• India is the 2^nd largest exporter of cotton in the world after US.
• India is the 2^nd largest consumer of cotton in world.
• States where cotton is grown in India- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha etc.

Source: TH, G.C. Leong

Category: Current Affairs