An Empirical Analysis of Cotton Cultivation in the Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu

The cotton processing industry holds a significant position in the Indian economy as the second-largest labor-intensive activity after agriculture, providing direct and indirect employment to the Indian population. Given the commercial importance of cotton at the National and State levels, there is a recognized need to thoroughly examine the cotton value chain, which includes producers and various stakeholders. Hence this study was proposed and conducted in 2022 covering cotton growers, ginners, spinners and weavers in Coimbatore district. Cotton production in Tamil Nadu has increased by 10% in 2022–23 compared to the previous year, according to the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. A statement from TNAU said that cotton cultivation has expanded to 1.62 lakh hectares with a production of 3.56 lakh bales during the 2022-23 season, marking a 10% increase in acreage compared to the previous year. The rise in cultivation is seen across all minor and major cotton producing districts like Perambalur, Salem, Dharmapuri, Ariyalur, Trichy, Virudhunagar, Madurai and Cuddalore. TNAU said that according to the Union ministry of Textiles, cotton cultivation has spiked throughout the country. Cotton was cultivated in 130.61 lakh hec with a production of 343.47 lakh bales during the 2022-23 season, marking a 6% expansion in acreage compared to the previous year.