Cotton crop is of Global importance as it accounts for 85% of all natural fibers followed by wool, linen and hemp, with cultivation occurring in around 100 countries. The main producers are India (8.6 million ha), United States (5.3 million ha), China (4 million ha), Pakistan (3.1 million ha) and Uzbekistan (1.4 million ha). Around 25 million tonnes of cotton are produced annually of which nearly 40% is traded internationally.
Cotton is a water-intensive crop that is usually grown in dry regions so as not to damage the eventual quality of fiber. Cotton production, is posing prominent threats to the environment. Lack of sustainable agricultural practices of cotton are harming the environment in many ways such as excessive use of water in irrigation, insane use of Inorganic fertilizers, direct contact and leaching of pesticides into the underground aquifers; are ultimate sources of adverse health impacts on the farming communities. Add to that inconsistent subsidies between rich and poor countries and labour issues from farm to the retail shop make cotton a product with considerable social and environmental impacts.
Not just cotton, synthetic fibers such as polyester, rayon and viscose use much energy and chemicals to produce, often up to five times as much. Synthetic fibers are popular but for many reasons; practical, historical and economic; cotton is important as a commodity. Fortunately there are ways to make cotton more sustainable, which helps keep the environment it depends on healthy as well.