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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton ‘: 4 February

Daily News Analysis ‘Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton ‘: 4 February

Table of Content

About Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton:

  • Extra-long Staple (ELS) cotton has fibres 30 mm and above, making it superior in quality.
  • Species: ELS cotton primarily comes from Gossypium barbadense, Egyptian or Pima cotton.
  • Global Cultivation: Major producers include China, Egypt, Australia, and Peru.
  •  Cultivation in India: Atpadi (Maharashtra) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu).
  • Usage & Demand: ELS cotton is used for premium fabric production, often blended with medium staple cotton to enhance quality.
  • Imports: India imports 90% of its annual ELS cotton requirement.

Cotton in India:

  • Cotton is classified as long, medium, or short-staple based on fibre length.
  • It is a kharif crop, taking 6–8 months to mature.
  • Grows well in dry, black cotton soil of the Deccan plateau.
  • High temperatures, light rainfall or irrigation, 210 frost-free days, and bright sunlight are required.
  • India produces 23% of the world’s cotton.
  • India is the 2nd largest consumer of cotton globally.

Why in News?

  • The Finance Minister announced a five-year mission to improve cotton farming productivity, and sustainability, and promote ELS cotton varieties in the Union Budget.