India’s Cotton Leadership: Area, Output and Livelihoods
Why in the news
The Centre put out a factsheet that highlights how important cotton is to Indian farming, textiles and trade.
Key facts
| Indicator | India’s position |
|---|---|
| Cultivation area | 1st globally, 114.84 lakh hectares |
| Production | 2nd globally |
| Consumption | 2nd globally |
| Share of world fibre production | Nearly 19% |
| Farmers supported | 6 million |
| People in the textile value chain | 40-50 million |
| Biggest buyer of cotton fabric | United States |
Exam angle
- Nickname: White Gold for cotton.
- Rank trio: area 1st, production 2nd, consumption 2nd.
- Export destination of cotton fabric: United States.