History

Cotton is an important fibre yielding crop of global importance, which is grown in tropical and subtropical regions of more than 80 countries the world over. Cotton refers to those species of the genus Gossypium which bear spinnable seed coat fibres. Cotton seed bears two types of fibres viz, long fibres known as lint which can be separated from the seed by the process of ginning; and short fibres known as fuzz or linters which remain on the seed even after ginning. The lint is used for spinning purpose. Thus those species of Gossypium which possess lint that can be spun into fine yarn are referred to as cotton.

Cotton scenario in Andhra Pradesh

Cotton is one of the most important crop among the various commercial crops grown in Andhra Pradesh with fibre for cloth, edible oil from the seed and protein rich seed cake, it can be described as a three in one wonder crop.

• A.P. stands 3^rd rank in Cotton area in India with 10.22 lakh ha next only Maharashtra (29.80 L.ha) and Gujarat (16.87 L.ha). The share in area of A.P. in India is 11.6 %. Out of this 10.22 L.ha area about 12% is being grown under irrigated dry conditions.
• A.P. stands 3^rd rank in Cotton production in India with 26.75 Lakh bales (Bale is 170 kg each) next only to Maharashtra (34.25 L.B) and Gujarat (32.50 L.B). The share of A.P in production in India is only 16.9%.
• In A.P. the area under cotton was increased from 3.54 lakh ha in 1975-76 to all time high of 12.81 lakh ha during 1998-99 and thereafter fluctuated between 6.97 to 10.46 lakh ha. The increase in area is mainly due to extension of cotton area to non-traditional area of Telangana districts.
• The productivity levels reached highest peak of 608 kg lint/ha during 1983-84 and subsequently gone down ranging from 202 kg lint/ha to 583 kg/ha.
• In A.P. during the year 2005-06 the districts Adilabad, Guntur and warangal has recorded higher cotton area, production and higher productivity than the other districts.
• Guntur district has recorded 1^st rank in productivity with 567 kg lint/ha. This is followed with 2^nd rank in productivity with 488 kg lint/ha by Krishna district.

In Andhra Pradesh three different Agroclimatic regions are existing viz., coastal region, Telangana region and Rayalaseema region. A.P. has unique distinction of cultivating the largest number of cotton hybrids in a season.

Districtwise Area, Production & Productivity of Cotton in Andhra Pradesh 2005-06

Source : Season & Crop Report AP Government 2005-06