16 Cool And Interesting Cotton Facts

Cotton is one of the most commercially important plants. Uses of the compound started as early as 7000 BC in many regions of the World. It is one of the most important cash crops. The name cotton comes from the Arabic word qutun. The exact history of cotton domestication is foggy. Archaeologists found evidence from modern-day Mexico, Pakistan, and Sudan.

Cotton is known to be a natural fiber. Plants need sunlight and moderate rainfall, and a lot of water to grow a good harvest. There are several species of the plant. Gossypium hirsutum is known as the oldest cultivated species. Mexican cotton covers almost 90% of all cultivars all over the Earth. India produces the highest amount of cotton, followed by China and the United States. GM (Genetically modified) cotton is introduced to control pests and grow profitability. Most plantation fields now cultivate genetically engineered, insect-resistant seeds. Traditionally harvest is picked by hand. Now modern machines do the harvesting work mostly. Invention and development of synthetic fibers like Rayon, Acetate, Polyester lessened the importance and need for cotton. Production of everyday accessories like cloaths, towels, even denim needs cotton. Most fabrics need cotton.

Cotton is one of the oldest commodities. The commodity is considered an exception and found in all civilizations at the very beginning. The Egyptians, Romans, American Civilizations, Nile valley Civilizations all these ancient societies have one thing in common that is cotton. Now in the World, around 350 million people are employed in the cotton industry. The value of the global processed cotton market was 59.7 billion in 2018. Let us check out some more little known cotton facts:

A piece of fabric from Huaca Prieta, Peru, is the oldest found cotton fabric. The place is known for Gossypium barbadense domestication.

G. hirsutum is the most widely cultivated species. 90% of all common cultivars are derived from the species.

Egyptian cotton is thought to be the finest. Fibers from the country are known for their softness, strength, and superior characteristics.

Bale is the basic unit of ginned cotton. On average, one net bale weights up to 495 pounds.

India is the largest producer of cotton. The country produces about 6% of all production. In 2019, 6,423 thousand metric tons of the crop were recorded. Soon China can be the global leader in production.

Yarns are interlocked fibers. These interlocked fibers are used in the production of textiles, sewing, crocheting.

Threads are used in sewing. They are made from 100% fiber.

Cargill Cotton is known as the oldest and the largest company in the business. The company was founded as the Hohenberg Bros. Co. in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1978.

As many as 135 types of different cotton cloths are found all over the world. Designers, retail labels, and the textile industry all over the world use these varieties.

There is a protective raincoat on crops. They are washed to remove the natural oil and waxes.

Around 70 countries around the world grows cotton. ICAC is the international body for the commodity.

Suvin is a variety of fiber from India. It is world known for its fine quality of fibers. Suvin is considered the “king” of all cotton varieties in the world.

The yearly cotton consumption in the world has increased at a rate of about 2 percent, since 1940.

It takes over 200 days to grow the crop on the plants. After that period cotton can be harvested.

Almost 40% of items of clothing use natural fiber. Natural fiber like cotton is wearable for sensitive skins.

Different amounts of cotton required to make different consumer items. For one pair of jeans 1.5 pounds of fiber is required.

Cotton is ancient. It is one of the oldest crops and commodities. This natural fiber played a n important role in the development of civilization. These are all have on cottons. Thanks for reading.