Now, cotton is the most widely used natural fiber in textile industries. It is also the most profitable non-food crop in the world. Historians have found that cotton fabric has been used by humans since prehistoric times. And if you are using cotton in your daily life, then you should know a few interesting facts about cotton.
In the Indus Valley Civilization, which is also known as the Harappan civilization, some fragments of cotton fabric dated back to 5000 BC have been discovered. Also, some fabric remnants dated back to 6000 BC have been found in Peru.
Cotton fabric is one of the most widely used of all types of fabrics in the world. Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about cotton.
1. Cotton Is The Purest Form Of Cellulose
Chemically, cotton is the purest form of cellulose. Cellulose is a polysaccharide or polycarbohydrate. It is the most abundant organic polymer on our earth.
2. Cotton Fiber Protects The Seeds Of The Cotton Plant
The cotton fiber grows around the seeds of the plant. It usually protects the seeds of the cotton plant.
Read Also: 12 Fun Facts About Cumin
3. Cotton Plant Mostly Grows In Tropical And Sub-Tropical Regions
Cotton plants can be found in tropical and sub-tropical regions all over the world. Wild species of cotton mainly grow in Mexico, Australia, and Africa. However, they can be found in other countries as well.
4. Cotton Is Produced In 75 Countries
Almost 25 million tonnes of cotton are produced annually all over the world. It is produced in 75 countries across 5 continents.
5. China Is The Largest Producer Of Cotton
China is the largest producer of cotton on our planet with an annual capacity of approximately 6 million tonnes.
6. USA Is The Largest Exporter Of Cotton
The largest exporter of cotton in the world is the United States of America (more than 3 million tonnes).
7. Cotton Provides A Good Amount Of Employment For People
According to some surveys, on average, in some poor countries, a single ton of cotton provides year-round employment for approximately 5 people in cotton industries.
8. Cotton Is A Drought-Resistant Crop
Because of its deep root system, cotton is a drought-resistant crop and it can be easily produced in dry climates and barren lands. Only seasonal rainfall is sufficient at critical points of the growth of plants to produce an adequate amount of cotton.
Read Also: 12 Tasty Facts About Corn
9. Cotton Fulfills A Lot Of Textile Needs
Cotton is produced in just 2.1% of the cultivable land of the whole world. However, 27% of the total textile needs all over the world are fulfilled by cotton.
10. Cotton Fibers Are Used In Textile Industries
Cotton fibers are mostly used in the textiles and apparel industries. But, food products, such as edible oil and food of domestic animals can be derived from cotton seeds. Cotton-based filaments are used in 3D printers because they can conduct heat very well.
These are the 10 most interesting facts about cotton.
FAQ: 10 Fun And Interesting Facts About Cotton
A lot of people use cotton in their daily life and they have some interesting questions which I have answered here.
Q1. What Are The Main Uses Of Cotton Fiber?
Ans: Cotton fibers are mainly used in textiles and apparel industries and different food products, such as edible oil and food of domestic animals can also be derived from cotton seeds.
Q2. Why Is Cotton Industry So Important?
Ans: In some of the poor and developing countries, on average, a single ton of cotton usually provides year-round employment for almost 5 people in cotton industries.
Q3. Who Is The Biggest Exporter Of Cotton?
Ans: The United States of America is the largest exporter of cotton in the world.
Q4. Can Cotton Survive Drought?
Ans: Cotton is a drought-resistant crop and because of its deep root system, cotton can be easily produced in dry climates and barren lands.
Q5. Where Are Cotton Plants Found?
Ans: Cotton plants can be found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. Wild species of cotton mostly grow in Mexico, Australia, and Africa, however, they can be found in other countries as well.
Read Also: 12 Fun Facts About Roses
- 10 Fun And Interesting Facts About Oranges You Must Know - September 14, 2022
- 10 Interesting Facts About Aluminum That You Might Not Know - August 24, 2022
- 10 Fun Facts About Smiling That Will Make You Smile - August 14, 2022