Cotton

• Known as the "White Gold".

• Known as king of fibres.

World Production

• Global production estimated at 152 million bales in 2007-08 down from 156 million bales last year.

• China is largest producer and contributes to one third of total global output.

• India and US are other major producers and has share of 36%.

• India has overtaken US in terms of output during 2007-08.

• China is largest consumer (38%).

• India accounts 29% of the world cotton area and 20% of world production having yield average of 549 kg lint per Ha.

Cotton in Indian Economy

• Important Commercial Crop.

• Raw material for 1500 mills.

• 4 million handlooms.

• 7 million power looms.

• Livelihood of 60 million people.

• Textile Industry contributes -

  1. 4% of gross domestic product.

  2. 14% of the total domestic product.

  3. 20% of total work force.

  4. 17% share of country’s export basket.