Cotton Production in India- Types & Advantages

Cotton is a Kharif crop that is used in clothing and the textile industry. It takes 6-8 months for this Kharif crop to mature. Crop harvesting and sowing times vary by region, depending on climate conditions. It is sown in April-May and harvested in December-January before the crop is damaged by winter frost. High-temperature soil is required for cotton planting. Read in detail about the types of cotton crop with prices and its advantages in the article. 

Different Types of Cotton

Cotton is available in three varieties. The list is based on the fiber's strength, length, and structure.

Long Staple Cotton 

It is the longest fiber, as the name implies, with lengths ranging from 24 to 27 mm. This fiber is long, lustrous, and fine. This fiber contributes to the production of superior and fine quality cloth. Long-staple cotton is the most commonly used cotton in India and has a low Kapas price. Long-staple cotton accounts for roughly half of total cotton production in India. Punjab, Maharashtra, MP, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, AP, and Gujarat are the major producers of long-staple cotton.

Medium Staple Cotton 

The fiber length of medium staple cotton ranges from 20 mm to 24 mm. A medium staple accounts for nearly 44 percent of total Kapas production. Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are the major states. A medium staple fiber is the second most commonly used fiber in India, and it produces high-quality clothing. It comes at a reasonable price.

Short Staple Cotton 

A short staple is the shortest fiber and the lowest quality cotton. Short-staple cotton is less than 20 mm long. It produced low-quality cloth at a low cost. Short staple cotton accounts for about 6% of total production. AP, UP, Haryana, Punjab, and Haryana are the top producers of short-staple cotton.

Advantages of Cotton Production

• Cotton is excellent for clothing, bedsheets, curtains, and jackets.
• Cotton seed oil is useful in food and cosmetics.
• Coffee filters, oil, plastics, and rubber are all profitable.

Read More: Everything You Should Know About Organic Farming: Way to Preserve the Soil