Organic cotton has been produced for centuries, but it was first officially certified in 1989/90 by Turkey, followed by the USA. Other common names used for organic cotton, particularly at the beginning of production, are green cotton, biological cotton and environment-friendly cotton. There are places where no insecticides or synthetic fertilizers are used to grow cotton, but production is not sold as organic because it lacks certification. In order to claim that cotton is organic and receive a premium price, cotton production must be recognized as organic by a certifying organization.

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.

Advantages of organic cotton

We do not eat cotton; why bother about the chemicals consumed in its farming? The highest amount of chemicals is used for cotton than any other crop.

Many allergies are a direct result of chemicals in cotton fibers we either wear, or sleep on. Non-organic cotton is produced in a way that causes great damage to the environment. It cannot be sustained without high levels of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Pesticides kill, cause serious disease in human, and can be fatal to farmers and farm workers who spray them on the crop.

Toxic chemical residue remains in industrially treated fibers, in our clothing and bedding. Persistent contact with the skin can aggravate a variety of allergies and allergic symptoms, especially for those with asthma and multiple chemical sensitivities.

Eliminating the usage of these chemicals, not only benefit the surrounding environment, but also benefits users.

And, major usage of the cotton seeds is for making oil and cattle feed. Hence if not directly, indirectly we tend to consume the cotton with its contents.

Production of organic cotton -

Prerequisite for organic cotton farming:

• Synthetic Fertilizers like Urea, DAP, NPK cannot be used.
• Synthetic pesticides like - herbicides, insecticides, fungicides etc are not to be used.
• Prevent spray drift from the surrounding fields - used border framing.
• No use of genetically modifies organisms such as BT Cotton
• Crop rotation is a must - No repeat crop in the same field for 2 subsequent years and or intercropping.
• Proper maintenance of records and documents for certification

Conversion to Organic Farming

The farm needs to undergo a conversion period before product can be sold as organic cotton. The period of conversation starts with the contract signing with the certifying agency. Once the contract is signed, all the organic standards must be followed strictly as agreed.

After one year of the signing in date, the products can be sold with a label - in conversation to organic agriculture. Annual crop can be sold as organic after 24 months and perennial crop after 36 months.

End Use of organic cotton

As a result of consumer interest, organic cotton fiber is used in everything from personal care items (sanitary products, make-up removal pads, cotton puffs and ear swabs), to home furnishings (towels, bathrobes, sheets, blankets, bedding), children's products (toys, diapers), clothes of all kinds and styles (whether for lounging, sports or the workplace), and even stationery and note cards.

In addition to this, organic cottonseed is used for animal feed, and organic cottonseed oil is used in a variety of food products, including cookies and chips.

Availability of organic cotton

More and more spinning mills are opting for the certifications to use organic cotton in the spinning of organic cotton yarn, to be used for knitting and weaving.

The most popular usages are organic cotton bed sheets, organic cotton fabrics and garments, kids wear made of organic cotton, medical fabric etc. The availability of organic cotton, yarn, fabrics and the garments is increasing day by day, since the awareness and the demand from the consumers is growing.