Prospects of Cotton Production in Bangladesh

Cotton is the miracle of the nature. It is an important industrial crop as well as cash crop in Bangladesh. Soil survey report estimated that about 2.42 lakh hectares of land are suitable for cotton cultivation in Bangladesh. Out of this 1 lakh hectares land can be brought under cotton cultivation. The quality of cotton produces in Bangladesh is better compared with imported cotton. So, there is an opportunity to grow cotton in the country. Textile and Garments Sector has a large contribution to the economy of Bangladesh. There is about 350 (approx.) Spinning mills and 148350 nos. (approx.) of HandLooms are working in the country. This Sector contributes to the huge employment generation in the country and consumes about 3.059 million (approx.) workers every year. About 70% foreign currency has been earned from this Sector. Cotton is the main raw material and about 3.0 million (approx.) bales of cotton fibre are needed every year for this sector.
The prospects of cotton production in Bangladesh are the following-

1. Market Demand: Cotton has a huge demand inside the country. The requirements of raw cotton for the textile industry roses day after day. The present requirement is about 3.0 million (approx.) bales. It ensures the marketing of local production.
2. Multiple use of cotton: Cotton plant has a multiple use in different industries. Raw cotton for textile industry, industrial commodities like vegetable oil and oil cake for fish feed has great demand. The dry plant can be used as fuel and also used for making paper. Cotton has about 400 (approx.) different uses that show its future prospect.
3. Multiple cropping: To make the cotton cultivation profitable and to provide additional income to the farmers, the introduction of inter and relay cropping with well experienced management practices have open up new hope of better competitiveness.
4. Employment Generation: Another significant socio-economic dimension in cotton production pertains to its forward linkages (e.g. production, processing and support sectors) that generate a multiplicity of economic activities as a source of employment and income for the poor segment of Bangladesh population.
5. Improve Soil Fertility: Every year cotton plant added a reasonable amount of bio-mass to the soil that can improve the soil fertility for the next crop.
6. Hill Cotton Cultivation: Hill cotton cultivation is an age-old practice and will continue to remain as a major crop in the Hill agriculture of the tribal people. The vast area of three Hill districts can be brought under cotton cultivation.
7. Cotton is a deep-rooted crop and can be grown in the less, fertile soil. The char areas where other crops are not profitable, cotton can easily grown where communication is not well.