Qualities
of Cotton, the Natural Fiber:
Cotton is said to be the most important natural
fibers of all. In the textile industry, more than half of the fiber used is
cotton and is preferred to by millions of people around the globe. This fiber
is very smooth and the clothes made of this fiber give a comfortable feeling.
The cotton fiber has a very high degree of water absorbing quality and thus
enables to remove stains and is easy to maintain.
How cotton replaced wool, the story ? :
The wool industry was flourishing during the 17th
century in Europe. And though spinning and weaving were gaining popularity, the
Europeans not desiring any competition with their commodity, and banned the
sale of cotton or cotton related material. They even passed legislation to this
effect. However towards the middle of the 17th century, when the ban was
lifted, cotton mills came up like mushrooms.
Cultivation Of Cotton
This belongs to the plant family whose leaves and
flowers are similar to that of the maple plant.
Temperature:
For a good yield of cotton a temperature of 30-35 Celsius is preferable.
Soil:
Black Alluvial Soil also called Black Cotton Soil with enough moisture
retentiveness is suitable for cotton cultivation.
Irrigation:
Water and irrigation facilities should be provided and when required so as to
maintain the moisture level of the field.
Sowing:
1. Firstly the ground should be ploughed well.
2. Seasoning of the seeds should be done very carefully to have a healthy
growth.
3. Careful selection of seeds is a must.
4. Purchasing of seeds from authorized dealers is best as the quality of the
seeds is maintained.
5. After 5-6 days of Planting, the farmer should take care to remove the
weeds and other unwanted growth around the plants. Thus the minerals provided
for the plant are entirely absorbed by the plant itself.
Harvesting:
Each ball of cotton contains 30 seeds and in each
seed about 5000 fibers are present. In about 3 weeks time each fiber grows to
its full length and thereafter gets thicker. The ball matures within10 weeks
and after flowering it bursts open. Later it gets dried in the sunlight and
this period is called as harvesting season/period. Generally Cotton is picked
by hand which is considered as the best method amongst all due to the following
reasons.
1. Waste materials could be easily left out
while plucking cotton.
2. The immature cotton balls could be left out for the next picking. Thus
they get an opportunity to grow.
3. Thus there can be double or treble picking.
However machines too are being used today for
harvesting.
Ginning:
After harvesting the Cotton is dried and separated
from the seeds. This process is known as ginning. The Ginning Machine, invented
by Eli Whitney, an American, made the Ginning process very easy, prior to
which ginning was a laborious process. About 50-60 pounds of fibers per day
could be separated and as time passed, many new models of this machine were
made, further simplifying the ginning process. Cottonseed oil is taken out from
the separated seeds, which is used in various ways.
Classification of Cotton:
Classification of quality of cotton is done by
looking and feeling. This look and feel method judges the fiber and categorizes
it based on length, feel and color of the fiber. Depending on the quality of
the fiber, its price is decided and sent to the market.
Spinning:
Spinning is the next stage after classification.
Bales of cotton are sent to the market. Depending on the requirement, the
buyer purchases cotton. In the past, Spinning was done by hand, but
later during the 17th century new techniques were being developed and as a
result the Spinning machine was invented by James Hargreaves in 1765.
Today spinning is carried out on a sophisticated
machine. Baled cotton is put into the machine, which is ultimately opened into
tufts. The waste is thus eliminated. The fiber is formed into laps, which are
fed into the carding machine. At this stage the cotton gets into a single fiber
and is formed into slivers. These several slivers are formed into a single
sliver. This process is called Ring Spinning. This could be called as Yarn. The
quality of yarn is judged at this stage as most of the waste material is
removed. The yarn becomes smooth, clean and strong. Generally, this method is
followed though it involves in a long and tedious process.
India's Cotton and Cotton Goods
Cotton goods from India have gained international
acclaim. India exports a majority of cotton goods to the US, UK and other South
East Asian countries. In the recent years Indian exports have increased
substantially to a great level.
Government of India
The Government of India is encouraging the export
of Indian Cotton goods by allowing certain concessions and by easing the trade
restrictions on the exports. Indian Cotton goods owe their demand to the high
quality and craftsmanship. Of late, there are many modernizing methods being
adopted to withstand the International market competition.
Other Cotton Exporting Countries
China, Peru, and Pakistan are the other countries
producing and exporting cotton in the world. China occupies a remarkable
position and enjoys a major share in the export of cotton goods.
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