Fiber Crops In India: Cotton, Jute, Hemp and Silk

India grows four main fiber crops: cotton, jute, hemp, and silk. While cotton, jute, and hemp come from plants, silk is obtained from silkworm cocoons. Silk production involves the rearing of silkworms, known as sericulture. These fibers play vital roles in various industries and are cultivated across different regions of India.

Overview of India’s Fiber Crops

Cotton (White Gold)

• Tropical Crop: grown in kharif season in semi-arid areas; 
• Temperature: 21°C- 30°C; 
• Rainfall: 50 – 75cm; 
• Soil: Black soil; 
• Climate: Requires clear sky during flowering stage; Requires approx. 210 frost free days and mineral rich black lava soil (Regur).
• Production: India is 2nd (23.83% of world production; 2022-23) in global cotton production. 
  • Both short staple (Indian) cotton as well as long staple (American) cotton called ‘narma’ in north-western parts of the country; 
  • Area: Occupies about 4.7 per cent of total cropped area; 
• Cotton Growing States: Grouped into three diverse agro-ecological zones, as under:
  • Northern Zone: Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan
  • Central Zone: Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
  • Southern Zone: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
  • It is also grown in the state of Odisha and Tamil Nadu; 
• India is the only country which grows all four species of cotton : 
  • G. Arboreum 
  • G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), 
  • G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and 
  • G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton): G. Hirsutum represents 90% of the hybrid cotton production in India and all the current Bt cotton hybrids are G. Hirsutuim;  
• Leading Producers: Gujarat (24%) > Maharashtra (23%) > Telangana (ES 2022-23).

Jute (Golden Fiber)

• Types: Principal varieties of jute in India are tossa and white jute; 
• Climate: Requires Hot & Humid climate ; 
• Temperature: 24 to 35 degree celsius; 
• Rainfall: ~150 cm with 90% of relative humidity; 
• Soil: rich delta or alluvial soil Very high carbon dioxide assimilation ability, several times higher than trees.
• Area: It has about 0.5% of total cropped area, and India produces about 60% of world jute; 
• Leading producer :  West Bengal (81%) > Assam> Bihar (ES 2022-23); Bengal accounts for over 3/4th of total jute production in India. 

Silk

• Types: India grows all important varieties of silk: Mulberry, Tasar, Oak Tasar, Eri and Muga (Assam);
• Production: India is the second largest silk producer; 
  • Mulberry Silk: is grown mainly in southern states Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and  West Bengal & Jharkhand; 
  • Non Mulberry Silk: is mainly grown in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and North East.

Hemp

• • Hemp can be grown without agrochemicals and is used in various industries like textiles and automotive.
  • Season: Unlike other crops, hemp can be grown across the country in all seasons.
    • Hemp grows rapidly, reaching heights of 12-15 feet in just 90 days, with deep roots.
  • Temperature: Ideal temperatures for hemp growth range between 19 and 30 °C.
  • Rainfall: 50 to 75 cm
  • High Yield: It is a hardy plant that consistently yields high production.
    • Abundant moisture is needed during the germination period.
  • Soil: Hemp can grow in a wide range of soil types, preferring well-aerated soil with good moisture and nutrient retention.

• Production in India: 

• • • Hemp is a type of cannabis plant used for industrial purposes.
    • India still follows this colonial-era policy, missing out on the lucrative hemp market.

• Hemp cultivation in India: 

• • • It was permissible in India until 1985 when it was prohibited by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).
    • Banned the Hemp: The NDPS Act banned hemp cultivation, possession, use, sale, and transport, except for medical or scientific purposes.
    • However, certain states where hemp had traditional significance were granted exceptions under the NDPS Act.
  • States: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Sikkim, each with its regulations regarding hemp cultivation.
    • Uttarakhand led the way in 2017 by legalising industrial hemp cultivation, followed by Uttar Pradesh in 2019.
    • Other states like Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir are also contemplating legalising industrial hemp cultivation in the future.

Conclusion

• From the cotton fields of Gujarat to the jute plantations of West Bengal, India’s fiber crops are integral to its agricultural landscape. 
• By embracing sustainable cultivation practices and policy reforms, India can further harness the benefits of these versatile fibres for a thriving future.

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