Why organic cotton is better| Comparison between organic and inorganic cotton | Points to be considered while cultivating organic cotton

What is cotton fiber?

Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows around the seeds and takes the shape of a ball. Cotton is cellulosic fiber. Cotton plant is a shrub or bush type plant with medium to low height. Cotton fiber is very well known all around the world as it controls moisture, provides great comfort, has a good insulation property and durability.

Cotton boll

Composition of cotton fiber:

Composition of cotton fiber

What is organic cotton?

Organic cotton is a type of cotton that is produced by using all natural materials and methods. It has very low impact on the environment. Synthetic chemicals are completely avoided in organic cotton production. Instead, it used all natural chemicals. Like- sulfur dust, Bacillus thuringiensis additives and other biological agents to control pests and Organic acid based sprays such as- citric acid, zinc sulfate and nitrogen for harvest preparation. Cultivation of organic cotton sustains the health of ecosystem, soil and people.

 

Why organic cotton?

Comparison between organic and inorganic cotton

Also read: Yarn count (direct and indirect) and yarn notation systems

General points to be considered while cultivating organic cotton:

• Soil selection: Good soil selection is a must for organic cotton production. The health of the soil must be maintained by crop rotation, using organic fertilizer, intercropping etc.

• Selection of the type of cotton: There are certain type of cotton plant varieties that responds quickly to chemical input. Those varieties should be avoided, instead varieties that are hardier and can give satisfactory production should be used.

• Seed: Acid treated seed cannot be used for organic cotton cultivation. About 25 kg/hector seed at a spacing of 75*15 cm will ensure a production of around 85 thousand plants/hector.

• Fertilizer: No chemical fertilizer can be used. Instead, farm yard manure, compost, vermicompost can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.

• Pest and weed control: No chemical can be used. Instead predator-prey balance should be maintained in the field. Pheromone trap, light trap can also be used. Weeds are hand-picked and those weeds can be turned into compost.

Organic cotton cultivation has many benefits, in both economic and environmental aspect. But due to many challenges, organic cotton represents only (1-2)% of annual cotton production of the world. But the production of organic cotton is increasing day by day all around the world. 

Right now, The major producers of organic cotton are-

• India (51%)

• China (19%)

• Turkey (7%)

• Kyrgyzstan (7%)