India grows all the four major types of cotton – G arboretum, G hirsutum, G herbaceum and G barbadense The first hybrid in the cotton crop was developed in India, in Surat, by Dr C T Patel (H4 intra hirsutum in 1970) – more than 200 varieties and hybrids were evolved in the subsequent five decades. Hybrids occupy around 45% of cotton crop in India, as in 1998. Important landmarks in the Indian cotton history include the development and release of native hybrids like G cot DH 37, G cot DH 9, DDH 2 and drought tolerant straight varieties like SRT 1, Renuka, LRA 5166, Anjali and Rajat

Cotton Exports from India

As late as 1815, India exported to England alone cotton goods worth £ 1,300,000. One third of contemporary India’s export earnings are from the textile sector. Cotton alone constitutes around 60% of the raw material. Cotton’s share in world textile manufacturing is around 45% whereas in India, its share is around 70%.