World Cotton Day is annually observed on October 7. Cotton is one of the most prominent fabrics in our inventories because it is breathable, comfortable, durable, and hypoallergenic. Cotton is not merely a commodity, but an impactful product that affects 28.67 million producers and millions of families across the globe. The importance of cotton in providing employment and sustaining economic stability in the least developed countries (LDCs) is highlighted on World Cotton Day. The global community is invited to celebrate the most essential natural fiber on this day.
The background of World Cotton Day
Following an initiative by the Cotton Four countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali—World Cotton Day was first celebrated on October 7, 2019. The event was organized by the World Trade Organization Secretariat with the assistance of the secretariats of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), and the International Trade Centre (ITC). It’s a chance to share information and exhibit cotton-related products and activities.
Cotton is a safety net for developing and underdeveloped nations. It is a significant source of income and subsistence for many rural laborers and small farmers. Cotton, which occupies 2.1% of the world’s arable land, provides 27% of the world’s textile requirements, with almost no waste. It is utilized in animal feed, cosmetics, edible oils, fuel, and textiles, among other applications, and provides advantages to over 100 million families in 75 countries across five continents. Cotton is a natural fiber that is breathable, comfortable, long-lasting, versatile, and hypoallergenic.
The celebration of World Cotton Day highlights the significance of cotton as a global commodity. It is intended to attract donors and beneficiaries and enhance cotton development assistance, recognize cotton and those engaged in producing and trading it, advance related technology and research, and find new private investors and partners.
World Cotton Day Events
Share information regarding cotton
Join your community in learning about cotton by participating in social media campaigns or media events. This natural fiber and its significance should be more widely known.
Exhibit your products
World Cotton Day affords you the chance to exhibit your cotton products. It is also an opportunity to pursue new partnerships with other cotton producers.
Provide assistance
It is essential to support the cotton industry in developing nations. This can lead to sustainable innovation and standards that benefit the global cotton industry.
5 FACTS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT COTTON
In some impoverished regions, one tonne of cotton provides employment for an average of five individuals throughout the entire year.
Beginning between December and March, cotton requires approximately 200 days to flourish.
Cotton is among the most absorbent available fibers.
Cotton becomes stronger when damp, unlike the majority of fibers which weaken when wet.
Globally, four species of cotton are cultivated for commercial purposes: Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium barbadense, and Gossypium herbaceum.
WORLD COTTON DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 7 | Saturday |
| 2024 | October 7 | Monday |
| 2025 | October 7 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | October 7 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | October 7 | Thursday |
