Archive · 6 Oct 2026
World Cotton Day Highlights India’s Cotton Industry and Farmers
World Cotton Day is held every year on 7 October.
It helps people learn about cotton and why it matters.
India grows a large share of the world’s cotton, with about six million farmers involved.
Cotton is used to make textiles and also has uses in medicine and animal feed.
Cottonseed can be made into cooking oil.
The first World Cotton Day took place in 2019 in Geneva.
The day brings together people who grow, study and process cotton.
It also draws attention to cotton workers and their families and the challenges they face.
World Cotton Day is observed annually on 7 October to raise awareness of cotton and its significance.
India contributes about 40% of global cotton production and involves approximately six million farmers.
India ranks second globally in cotton production and consumption, and leads in producing cotton fibre and cottonseed.
Cotton is used in textiles, medicine and animal feed, while cottonseed is processed into cooking oil.
The observance began in 2019 and promotes discussion of cotton-sector challenges, livelihoods and economic growth.
- Who
- Cotton farmers, growers, researchers, processors and other stakeholders; India is a major cotton producer.
- What
- World Cotton Day raises awareness of cotton and provides a platform to discuss the cotton sector.
- When
- Every year on 7 October; the first observance was in 2019.
- Where
- The first observance was held in Geneva; World Cotton Day is a global observance.
- Why
- To raise awareness about cotton, discuss industry challenges and highlight its role in livelihoods and economic growth.
Industry and development focus
Challenges facing cotton communities
Cotton’s economic contribution
Industry and development focus
The observance highlights cotton production and consumption as contributors to livelihoods and economic growth, particularly in developing countries.
Challenges facing cotton communities
The observance also provides a forum to discuss challenges facing the cotton sector and ways to improve the lives of farmers, labourers and their families.
- Annual date
- 7 October
- First observance
- 2019, in Geneva
- India’s share of global cotton production
- About 40%
- Farmers involved in India
- Approximately six million
- India’s global ranking
- Second in cotton production and consumption
- India’s production leadership
- Largest producer of cotton fibre and cottonseed
- Other cotton uses
- Medicine, animal feed and cooking oil made from cottonseed