World Cotton Day is celebrated on October 7 every year with the aim of raising awareness about the contribution and importance of cotton and related industries to the world economy. Cotton makes up about half of total textile production in the world. The crop provides livelihood to around 250 million people globally, and nearly 7% of laborers in underdeveloped nations.
World Cotton Day - History and Theme
The proposal of the ‘World Cotton Day’ was given in front of the World Trade Organization in the year 2019, by the four cotton producers of sub-Saharan Africa– Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali. These regions are also known as ‘the Cotton Four’.
Since World Cotton Day has been formally recognized by the United Nations, this day provides a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about this versatile crop. Also this day promotes sustainable trade policies for cotton supply, and allows developing nations to gain more profit from each stage of the cotton value chain.
The official theme of the World Cotton Day is, 'Cotton for Good'. In 2024, the World Cotton Day (WCD) will be celebrated in Cotonou, Benin on October 7. Additionally, this is the first WCD celebration in the African continent. More than 400 people will be attending this celebration to exchange their thoughts on how to improve the production of cotton.
Top Cotton-Producing Countries in the World
Cotton is the most widely used fiber around the world. As of 2024, 25 million tons of cotton is being produced worldwide. Gossypium Hirsutum, Gossypium Barbadense, Gossypium Arboretum, and Gossypium Herbaceum are the four most widely grown varieties of cotton. Cotton is used in making textiles like terry cloth, corduroy, and denim. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, here are the top cotton-producing countries around the world.
Top 10 Cotton Producing Countries as per the year 2023-24
|
Rank |
Country |
Cotton Production (In million tons) |
|
1. |
China |
27.35 Million |
|
2. |
India |
25.8 Million |
|
3. |
Brazil |
14.57 Million |
|
4. |
United States |
12.07 Million |
|
5. |
Pakistan |
7 Million |
|
6. |
Australia |
5 Million |
|
7. |
Turkey |
3.2 Million |
|
8. |
Uzbekistan |
2.9 Million |
|
9. |
Argentina |
1.55 Million |
|
10. |
Mali |
1.33 Million |
India’s Status in Cotton Production
As of 2023-24, India is the world’s one of the largest cotton producers, with a remarkable 23% share of global cotton production. With over 120.69 lakh hectares dedicated to cultivation, the nation yields an impressive 25.8 million tones annually. Key cotton-growing states in India are Gujarat and Maharashtra, who are also famous for their organic and eco-friendly farming practices.
India also serves as the world’s second-largest exporter of textiles and clothing. By 2030, India will expand its cotton production and cotton textile production further.
Cotton provides a living to millions of laborers and smallholders, including women and their families, and makes a substantial economic contribution to many developing nations. With the upcoming time the production of this crucial crop is being expanded by the underdeveloped and developing nations.
