Indian tropical climate & cotton garments

01 May 2023, Mumbai 

Climate change will significantly affect cotton output and trade depending on where cotton is produced.

This report, which will be presented, examines the effects of climate change on cotton commerce and production in the significant cotton-producing regions of the globe, as well as the solutions available to reduce and adapt to these effects.

What all you need to know

Climate change affects cotton production as well as contributes to it. Agricultural production, processing, commerce, and consumption account for up to 40% of global emissions when forest clearance is considered. Between 0.3% to 1% of all greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to cotton production.

Benefits of Cotton Garments in Tropical Climates; Historically, India's tropical climate is characterized by high/ultra-high temperatures zones/regions and humidity, simply making it bare-essential to wear worthy garments/clothing to stay comfortable and stylish.

Fact sheet on cotton crop

Cotton is a tropical Kharif crop in India, taking 6-8 months to mature in temperatures between 21-30°C. It grows on various soils, but deep, fertile soil with humus, water-holding capacity, and drainage is best.

Excessive moisture and water logging harm cotton growth. Despite losing land during partition, cotton acreage has increased over the last 50 years, occupying 4.7% of India's cropped area.

Essay: Cotton Clothing in Indian Tropics

Adaptability is crucial for human survival and well-being, especially when it comes to buffering against the effects of environmental variations.

One way humans achieve adaptability is by modifying and adopting different clothing patterns. In India, where there is a wide range of climatic variations between different regions, clothing patterns also vary accordingly.

The eastern, southern, and western zones of India have similar hot and humid tropical climates. In these regions, loose-fitting garments that cover the body are particularly popular. This clothing pattern is essential for maximizing convective and evaporative heat loss by facilitating air movement across the clothing worn.

From a technical perspective, loose-fitting garments are effective in promoting heat loss through convection and evaporation. Heat transfer through convection occurs when air flows across the skin's surface and carries away heat. The loose-fitting garment allows air to circulate freely across the skin's surface, creating a convective heat transfer.

Additionally, evaporative heat loss happens when sweat evaporates from the skin's surface. Loose-fitting garments allow sweat to evaporate quickly, promoting evaporative heat loss.

Overall, the adoption of different clothing patterns in India demonstrates how humans can adapt to a wide range of environmental variations.

By modifying clothing patterns to suit climatic conditions, individuals can buffer against the adverse effects of the environment and maintain their well-being. From a technical standpoint, loose-fitting garments that facilitate convective and evaporative heat loss are particularly effective in hot and humid tropical climates.

Importance of the cotton industry

Cotton is the leading natural staple fiber, accounting for approximately 50% of the world's textile fiber production. This natural fiber strongly supports air to circulate all across, checking the buildup of heat and moisture which is likely to cause discomfort & unease. The versatility of cotton seeds extends beyond fiber production, as they are also utilized in creating outerwear garments that are widely embraced, particularly in tropical regions.

India's economy and foreign exchange profits are considerably boosted by cotton, one of its main cash crops. The livelihoods of almost 60 million people depend on the production of cotton and allied sectors. In actuality, India has the most significant area under cotton cultivation—about 34% of the total area in the world.

The Indian cotton industry faces substantial difficulties regarding productivity and environmentally friendly production and consumption techniques. Cotton cultivation requires a lot of water. Unfortunately, rain-fed agriculture is heavily relied upon by cotton farmers in India. And this makes for over 70% of the area used for cotton growing.

Reality pulse

Daily life in tropical regions can be uncomfortable for visitors who have not dressed appropriately for the climate.

When selecting fabrics for warm and humid areas, it is important to consider their properties, such as breathability, moisture-wicking, and lightweight nature, which can make them highly suitable for use in such regions.

Apart from fabric choice, it is also crucial to ensure that clothing fits well and is comfortable, as tight or ill-fitting garments can exacerbate the discomfort caused by high temperatures.

Tropics-friendly apparel

Cotton garments are a popular choice for people residing typically in tropical regions/countries like India. It is advisable to purchase tropics-friendly clothing locally, as local garments are typically tailored to suit the climate and are made from suitable materials. Additionally, observing the clothing choices of locals can provide valuable insights into what to wear in tropical regions.

Technical analysis suggests that garments made from natural fibers, such as cotton and linen, are ideal for use in tropical climates as they are breathable, moisture-wicking, and have a comfortable texture. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics should be avoided as they tend to trap moisture and heat, causing discomfort and irritation.

In addition to rainfall patterns, pest infestation significantly impacts cotton farming in India. For many years, cotton crops have been destroyed by bollworms and sucking bugs. Even though cotton cultivation only takes up 5% of the country's total harvestable land, cotton cultivation uses about 50% of the pesticides applied there.

These challenges impact the present-day organization of cotton production and consumption in India. On the financial front, the problems primarily stem from inefficiency in the production process, including seed selection, harvesting methods, post-harvest storage, and transportation.

Several elements affect environmental sustainability, including the amount of trash and how it is managed and the unsustainable use of resources like water, pesticides, and fertilizers.

Important chemicals wasting the effective growth of cotton in the tropics Environmental Health Concerns; The usage of fertilizers and pesticides is another factor contributing to environmental degradation. It is common knowledge that traditional cotton farming significantly relies on these two inputs to protect the crop and increase productivity. Numerous studies have determined how these substances affect the environment and human health. These findings show that while fertilizers also contribute to soil erosion and alkalinity acidity, pesticide use directly impacts the ecosystem and human health.

The usage of fertilizers and pesticides is another factor contributing to environmental degradation. It is common knowledge that traditional cotton farming significantly relies on these two inputs to protect the crop and increase productivity.

Numerous studies have determined how these substances affect the environment and human health. These findings show that while fertilizers also contribute to soil erosion and alkalinity acidity, pesticide use directly impacts the ecosystem and human health.

Fibre of choice

Cotton clothing is a popular choice for summer due to its ability to absorb heat and sweat, keeping the body cool and comfortable. Additionally, cotton clothing provides protection from harmful UV rays. The benefits of wearing cotton clothes include comfort, absorbency, and protection.

Cotton clothing is a popular choice for summer due to its ability to absorb heat and sweat, keeping the body cool and comfortable. Additionally, cotton clothing provides protection from harmful UV rays. The benefits of wearing cotton clothes include comfort, absorbency, and protection.

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