Comprehensive Guide to Extra Long Staple Cotton

What is Extra Long Staple (ELS) Cotton?

Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton is a premium variety characterized by fiber lengths exceeding 30 mm. This type of cotton is renowned for producing high-quality fabrics and is primarily derived from the Gossypium barbadense species, commonly known as Egyptian or Pima cotton.

How is Cotton Classified Based on Fiber Length?

Cotton is classified into three categories based on fiber length: long, medium, and short staple. In India, most cotton produced, mainly from Gossypium hirsutum, falls within the medium staple range, with fiber lengths varying between 25 to 28.6 mm.

Where is ELS Cotton Grown Globally?

Globally, major producers of ELS cotton include countries like China, Egypt, Australia, and Peru. Within India, its cultivation is limited to specific regions, notably Atpadi in Maharashtra and areas around Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.

Why is ELS Cotton Not Widely Grown in India?

• Lower yields of 7-8 quintals per acre, compared to 10-12 quintals for medium staple cotton.
• Marketing challenges due to inadequate market linkages for premium products.
• High vulnerability to pests and limited access to advanced agricultural technologies.

What is India’s Dependency on ELS Cotton Imports?

India imports over 90% of its annual ELS cotton requirements to satisfy the growing demand for premium fabric production. This significant dependency underscores the challenges faced in domestic cultivation.

How Does the Cotton Mission of Union Budget '26 Aim to Improve ELS Cotton Productivity?

The government's five-year plan focuses on enhancing ELS cotton production through:

• Providing advanced scientific and technological support.
• Introducing genetically modified (GM) technologies to improve yields.
• Encouraging sustainable farming practices to enhance productivity.

What Role Can Technology and Policy Play in Enhancing ELS Cotton Cultivation?

The adoption of herbicide-resistant varieties, such as HtBt cotton (currently illegal in India), along with the development of improved seeds, can significantly boost productivity and reduce issues related to weed management.

What Are the Current Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Cotton in India?

For the 2024-25 agricultural year, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for medium staple cotton is set at ₹7,121 per quintal, while the MSP for ELS cotton is ₹7,521 per quintal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What defines Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton?
Answer: ELS cotton is a high-quality variety with fiber lengths over 30 mm, primarily sourced from Gossypium barbadense, known for its exceptional fabric quality.

Q2. Why does India import ELS cotton?
Answer: India imports over 90% of its ELS cotton to meet the growing demand for premium fabrics, as domestic production is limited.

Q3. What are the challenges in growing ELS cotton in India?
Answer: Major challenges include lower yields, marketing difficulties for premium products, and high pest vulnerability, compounded by limited technological access.

Q4. What is the significance of the Cotton Mission in India?
Answer: The Cotton Mission aims to enhance ELS cotton productivity through technological support, introducing GM technologies, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Q5. What is the current MSP for ELS cotton in India?
Answer: For the 2024-25 season, the MSP for ELS cotton is set at ₹7,521 per quintal, reflecting its premium status in the market.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary species of ELS cotton?
A) Gossypium hirsutum
B) Gossypium barbadense
C) Gossypium arboreum
D) Gossypium raimondii
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which region in India is known for ELS cotton cultivation?
A) Punjab
B) Maharashtra
C) Gujarat
D) Haryana
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the MSP for medium staple cotton in the 2024-25 season?
A) ₹6,521
B) ₹7,121
C) ₹7,521
D) ₹8,121
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What percentage of ELS cotton does India import?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 90%
D) 100%
Correct Answer: C