PRODUCTION OF QUALITY FIBRE & DOUBLING
COTTON FARMERS’ INCOME

Globally, around 23 million metric tonnes of cotton is produced from about 30 million hectares. The Asian region is the largest hub for cotton production, trade and use. Together the countries in this region account for almost two third of area under cotton and more importantly they consume 77% of the global cotton produced. India, China, Pakistan & Uzbekistan are the major cotton growing countries in the region where as China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam and Indonesia are the major cotton consuming countries. The cotton value chain is a major employment generator and shapes the economy of several Asian countries. Asia is emerging as an undisputed hub of textile and garment industry accounting for 65% of total yarn production, around 70% of world fabric manufacture and 65% of apparel production. Despite geographical and political diversity among the cotton growing countries of Asia, the nations have several similarities and face common challenges.