October 7: World Cotton Day 2021
Key Points
- UN World Cotton Day (WCD) is celebrated annually on October 7 with the aim of raising awareness regarding the critical role of cotton sector in international trade, economic development and poverty alleviation.
- Annual celebration of the day provides a unique opportunity to recognize historic importance of cotton as global commodity.
Theme of World Cotton Day 2021
World Cotton Day 2021 was observed under the theme- “Cotton for Good”. This theme celebrates the enduring positive impact of cotton, such as providing employment, giving us natural fibres and protecting environment.
Furthermore, according to experts, cotton has a negative carbon footprint because it degrades 95 per cent faster as compared to polyester in wastewater. Thus, it helps in keeping the environment clean.
Background of World Cotton Day
World Trade Organisation (WTO) had launched the “World Cotton Day” in 2019 at the initiative of four cotton-producing sub-Saharan African states namely Benin, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mali. The day offered an opportunity of sharing knowledge and showcasing cotton-related activities.
About Cotton
Cotton is the only agricultural crop that provide both food and fibre. It is used in every other cloth because it is comfortable, breathable, hypoallergenic and durable. Cotton is grown in 75 countries of 5 continents, sustaining about 28.67 million growers. Cotton is the major source of livelihood as this sector provides employment and income in the rural areas.
Annual revenue from cotton
As per International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), annual revenue from cotton is about USD 41.2 billion while, cotton trade accounts to USD 18 billion per year. As per UN, cotton crop is resistant to climatic changes. So, it can be planted in dry and arid zones. The fibre occupies only 2.1 per cent of the world’s arable land, but it meets 27 percent of the textile needs of world.
