Extra Long Staple Cotton

Feb. 4, 2025

Recently, the union finance minister announced a five-year mission to “facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple (ELS) cotton varieties”.

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.

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