Jashore University of Science and Technology

Department of Agro Product Processing Technology

Course Title: Field Crop Processing Technology
Course Code: APPT-2101
Assignment on
“Cotton Processing”

Submitted To Submitted By
S M Shamiul Alam Sajedur Rahman
Assistant Professor ID:201726
Department of Agro Product
2nd Year 1st Semester
Processing Technology
Department of Agro Product
Jashore University of Science and
Processing Technology
Technology, Jashore.
Jashore University of Science and
Technology, Jashore.

Date of Submission: 08.05.2023

Assignment Name: Cotton Processing

Introduction:
Cotton is one of the most widely cultivated and utilized crops in the world. It is a
natural fiber that is used to produce a wide range of products, including clothing,
bedding, and towels. Cotton is also an important cash crop in many countries,
providing income for farmers and supporting local economies. The process of
cotton cultivation and processing is complex and involves several stages, from
planting to harvesting and processing the cotton fiber. In this assignment, we will
explore the different types of cotton, the cultivation of cotton in Bangladesh, and
the various stages of cotton processing.

Types of Cotton:
There are several types of cotton, each with different characteristics and uses. The
most commonly grown type of cotton is Upland cotton, which accounts for
around 90% of global cotton production. Upland cotton has a short to medium
staple length and is used to produce a range of textile products, including T-shirts,
denim, and bed sheets. Another popular type of cotton is Pima cotton, also known
as Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton. Pima cotton has a longer staple length than
Upland cotton, which makes it softer and more durable. It is mainly grown in the
United States, Australia, and Peru and is used to make high-end clothing, bedding,
and towels. Egyptian cotton is another high-quality cotton variety that is
renowned for its softness and strength. It has a longer staple length than Pima
cotton and is mainly grown in Egypt. It is used to make luxury bedding and
towels. The final type of cotton is Asiatic cotton, which has a short staple length
and is mainly grown in India and Pakistan. It is used to produce low-cost textile
products such as bed sheets and towels.
Cotton Cultivation in Bangladesh:
Cotton has been grown in Bangladesh for over a century, and the country was
once a significant producer of the crop. However, cotton production has declined
significantly in recent years due to various factors, including unfavorable weather
conditions, pests and diseases, lack of access to modern farming techniques and
inputs, and competition from other crops. Today, cotton is mainly grown in the
northern districts of Bangladesh, including Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Dinajpur.
Smallholder farmers dominate cotton production, and most farms are less than
one hectare in size. Farmers face various challenges in cotton cultivation,
including low yields, poor quality seeds, inadequate irrigation facilities, and high
production costs.

In recent years, the government of Bangladesh has taken various measures to

support cotton cultivation, including the distribution of high-quality seeds and
fertilizers, provision of credit facilities, and training in modern farming
techniques. The government has also established research and development
centers to develop new varieties of cotton that are better adapted to the country's
climate and soil conditions.

Steps of Cotton Processing:

The processing of cotton from its raw state as a cotton boll to a finished fabric
involves several stages:
1. Harvesting: The cotton bolls are removed from the plants using a cotton
picker or cotton stripper. Cotton pickers use rows of spindles that rotate to
pull the cotton fibers from the bolls, while cotton strippers use rollers to
strip the cotton fibers from the bolls.
2. Ginning: At the cotton gin, the cotton fibers are separated from the seeds
and other plant material. This process involves separating the cotton fibers
from the seeds using a combination of mechanical and pneumatic
processes. The cotton fibers are then cleaned to remove any remaining
impurities, such as dirt, leaves, or stems.

3. Spinning: The cotton fibers are spun into yarn using spinning machines.
In this process, the cotton fibers are twisted together to form a continuous
strand of yarn. There are two main types of spinning: ring spinning and
open-end spinning. Ring spinning produces a higher-quality yarn, while
open-end spinning is faster and more cost-effective.

Modern Cotton Spinning Machine

4. Weaving: The cotton yarn is woven into fabric on a loom. There are
several types of weaving, including plain weave, twill weave, and satin
weave. The type of weave used depends on the desired appearance and
texture of the fabric.
 5. Dyeing and Finishing: The fabric is dyed and finished to improve its
appearance, texture, and durability. Dyeing involves adding color to the
fabric using a variety of dyes and pigments. Finishing involves a range of
processes, including bleaching, mercerizing, and calendaring, to enhance
the fabric's properties such as smoothness, luster, and strength.
6. Manufacturing: The finished fabric is cut, sewn, and assembled into the
desired product. This process can range from simple sewing of a few pieces
to complex assembly lines that involve multiple stages of production. The
finished products can include clothing, bedding, towels, and many other
types of textile products.

Conclusion:
Cotton processing is a complex and multi-stage process that involves several
steps, from harvesting the cotton bolls to the finished fabric. The quality of the
finished fabric depends on several factors, including the type of cotton, the
cultivation practices, and the processing methods used. Despite the challenges
faced by the cotton industry, cotton remains a popular and versatile fiber that is
used to make a wide range of products.

References:
1. “Cotton Cultivation in Bangladesh,” Agro Bangla, accessed
May 4, 2023,
(www.agrobangla.com)

2. National Cotton Council of America. (2019). (Website: www.cottonsjourney.com)

3. The Daily Star. (2021). (Website: www.thedailystar.net)

4. www.worldatlas.com

5. “Agricultural Research and Extension Network” (www.aren.org.uk)

Picture from:
1. www.bangladeshpost.net
2. www.rmgbd.net
3. www.textilemachineryindia.wordpress.com
Five random questions related to the above assignment:
1. What are the three main types of cotton, and what are their characteristics?
2. Which countries are the top producers of cotton in the world?
3. What is the current status of cotton cultivation in Bangladesh?
4. What are the major steps involved in cotton processing?
5. How important is the cotton industry for the global economy?