The global market for organic cotton has grown by 67 per cent. There’s also greater global awareness of the need to have good quality organic cotton seeds. Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.
In addition to being one of the most widely grown crops in the world, growing conventional cotton is also one of the most chemical-¬intensive. These chemicals have tremendous impact on the earth’s air, water, soil, and the health of people in cotton-growing areas.
Apparel companies are developing programs that either use 100 per cent organically grown cotton or blend small percentages of organic cotton with conventional cotton in their products. There are a number of companies driving the expanded use of domestic and international organic cotton.
Organic cotton now equals 0.7 per cent of global cotton production. India is a significant organic cotton producer. Among others are the United States, China, Syria, Turkey. The specialty of Indian organic cotton is that all the cotton is hand-picked. Organic cotton is promoted as being skin-friendly and soothing and as being ideal for baby clothing.