The major cotton producing countries are USA, China, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Brazil, Greece, Argentina and Egypt. These countries contribute about 85% to the global cotton production. India stands first in area, third in production and last in productivity among these countries.

The varietal improvement work in cotton started as early as in 1904 when Agricultural Departments were established in various states. It was further strengthened in 1923 when Indian Central Cotton Committee (ICCC) was constituted. The varietal improvement work got momentum with the inception of All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project (AICCIP) in April, 1967. After inception of AICCIP, 90 varieties of upland cotton, 3 of Egyptian cotton, 39 of diploid cottons and 43 hybrids have been released for commercial cultivation in different states of India.

U.S. textile mills presently consume approximately 7.6 million bales of cotton a year. Eventually, about 57% of it is converted into apparel, more than a third into home furnishings and the remainder into industrial products.