Plant Fibres – Cotton and Jute
Plant fibres are obtained from different parts of plants and are used to make various textile products. Two important plant fibres are Cotton and Jute.
A. Cotton
Where is Cotton Grown?
Cotton is mainly grown in warm and tropical regions such as:
✅ India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh)
✅ USA, China, Egypt, Brazil
Conditions Required for Cotton Growth
Climate: Warm temperatures (21-30°C)
Soil: Black soil or well-drained loamy soil
Rainfall: Moderate (50-100 cm) with sunny weather during harvest
Growing Season: 6-8 months
Steps in Cotton Production
🔹 1. Cotton Plant Cultivation:
Seeds are sown in suitable soil.
The plant grows and develops cotton bolls (fluffy white balls containing fibres and seeds).
🔹 2. Cotton Picking:
When the cotton bolls mature, they burst open.
Farmers pick the cotton by hand or using machines.
🔹 3. Ginning (Separating Fibres from Seeds):
The fibres are separated from the seeds using a machine called a gin.
The cleaned cotton is then used for making yarn.
B. Jute
Where is Jute Grown?
Jute is mainly grown in humid and rainy regions such as:
✅ India (West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha)
✅ Bangladesh (Largest producer)
How is Jute Obtained?
Jute fibres are extracted from the stem of the jute plant.
The plants are harvested when they are flowering, about 4-6 months after sowing.
Process of Making Jute Fibres
🔹 1. Harvesting:
Jute plants are cut close to the ground.
🔹 2. Retting:
The stems are soaked in water for 2-3 weeks to loosen the fibres.
🔹 3. Stripping:
Fibres are separated by hand from the softened stem.
🔹 4. Washing & Drying:
The fibres are washed, dried, and bundled for further processing.
🔹 5. Spinning into Yarn:
The dried fibres are spun into yarn and woven into fabric.
Conclusion
Cotton and Jute are important natural fibres used in making textiles. While cotton is soft and used for clothing, jute is rough and used for making bags, ropes, and mats. Both require specific climate conditions and go through several steps before being used in fabric production.