About Extra Long Staple Cotton:
- It is commonly hailed as the gold standard in textile manufacturing, holds a coveted position in the world of high-quality fabrics.
- Most ELS cotton comes from the species Gossypium barbadense, commonly known as Egyptian or Pima cotton.
- ELS varieties boast fibre lengths of 30 mm and above.
- Origin and distribution:
- It was originated in South America and today it is mainly grown in China, Egypt, Australia and Peru.
- In India, some ELS cotton is grown along rainfed parts of Atpadi taluka in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, and around Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.
- The warm temperatures and rich soil contribute to the growth of cotton fibres that are not only long but also uniform, resulting in stronger and finer yarns.
- It does not require intense finishing processes, which helps preserve these innate qualities.
Issues of Extra Long Staple Cotton in India:
- Yield: It gives lower than average per acre yields, experts say. While the medium staple variety yields between 10 and 12 quintals per acre, ELS cotton has a yield of only 7-8 quintals.
- Marketing issue: Farmers growing ELS cotton are often unable to market their produce at premium prices.