New Delhi: Cotton is one of those materials that we need to use every day as it is a common fabric in our wardrobes. It is durable, comfortable, breathable and hypoallergenic. It is more than just a commodity and it is a life-changing product which sustains the livelihood of more than 32 million growers with almost half of them being women. Also, cotton benefits more than 100 million families in 80 countries.
For many rural smallholders and labourers, cotton is a major source of livelihood. It provides them with employment as some of the poorest rural areas in the world get some source of income. The production of cotton is important in developed economies, but it acts as a safety net in the least-developed and developing countries. Every year on October 7, World Cotton Day is celebrated to create awareness of the need for market access for cotton and cotton-related products from least-developed countries, create sustainable trade policies and enable more benefits for developing countries. In this article, we will take a look at the countries which produce the most cotton.
Countries which produce the most cotton
China
China is the largest producer, importer and also consumer of cotton. According to World Population Review, there are an estimated 300 million people in China who are involved in producing cotton.
India
India is another major producer of cotton. It is known as the birthplace of cotton as it was first cultivated here and the cotton industry is a vital part of the Indian economy. The country has more areas to cultivate cotton than China does. The country’s textile industry is a huge employment-generating sector. India is also the second largest consumer of cotton.
United States
In the US, most of the growth and production of cotton fibre happens in the Southern and Western regions of the country. The main cotton-producing states are California, Texas, Mississippi, Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Texas is the largest cotton-producing state.
Brazil
The country has large fertile land for cotton cultivation. Most of it is produced in the Cerrado region with states including Goias, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais and Bahia. Bahia and Mato Grosso grow over 90 per cent of the cotton. In recent years, the country’s cotton industry has been expanding since it has a favourable climate and extensive farming areas.
Pakistan
The production of cotton is very important to the economy of Pakistan. While in recent years the production has been consistent, the growth rate has become stagnant. The country is highly dependent on cotton production and the textile sector for its economy. Punjab and Sindh are the leading regions in cotton production in Pakistan.
Cotton is a life-changing product which sustains the livelihood of more than 32 million growers with almost half of them being women. Also, cotton benefits more than 100 million families in 80 countries. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
