World Cotton Day 2023: Making cotton fair and sustainable for all, from farm to fashion

World Cotton Day is observed every year on 7th October dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the importance of cotton as a global commodity.
It provides an opportunity to highlight the significance of cotton in agriculture, trade, and the global economy, as well as its impact on various aspects of people's lives, particularly in developing countries.

The 2023 celebration featured a joint event in Vienna, under the theme “Making cotton fair and sustainable for all, from farm to fashion”.

Celebrating cotton, promoting development

World Cotton Day, officially recognized in a UN General Assembly resolution in 2021, responded to a proposal submitted by the so-called Cotton-4 countries, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali, which are among the main producers of the crop in sub-Saharan Africa.

Being renewable and biodegradable, cotton is the most environmentally friendly raw material for the textile industry as compared to its synthetic alternatives.

Interesting facts about cotton

Cotton originates from the natural fibers of cotton plants, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. The term "cotton" has its roots in the Arabic word 'quton,' but the earliest cotton production took place in India, which remains the world's leading producer.

Renewable and biodegradable, cotton stands out as the textile industry's most eco-friendly raw material when compared to synthetic alternatives. Cotton plants boast an extensive growth period, which can span up to 200 days, typically beginning between December and March. These plants thrive in warm climates with long growing seasons.

Contrary to common belief, cotton is not a water-intensive crop; it's a xerophyte capable of flourishing in dry, arid environments. Remarkably, only 3 percent of the world's land is dedicated to cotton cultivation, yet it fulfills 27 percent of global textile demands.

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