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Research Paper | Agricultural Economics | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 1253 - 1259 | India
Environmental and Economic Benefits of Naturally Coloured Cotton: A Comparative Study with Conventional Cotton
Abstract: Naturally coloured cotton has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional white cotton, addressing increasing environmental concerns associated with dyeing and textile processing. This study evaluates the economic feasibility and ecological advantages of naturally coloured cotton in comparison with conventional cotton production in India. Primary data were acquired from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (2022-23), while secondary data were sourced from the International Cotton Advisory Committee and pertinent literature. Percentage analysis, ratio analysis, and simulation approaches were applied to measure cost of cultivation, processing efficiency, energy usage, water consumption, and carbon emissions. Results found that although naturally coloured cotton yields were 35% lower than those of conventional cotton, its total cultivation cost was roughly 47.5% lower. The removal of dyeing and related chemical treatments resulted in a nearly 66% reduction in processing costs. During processing, naturally colored cotton used only one-third of the water, used 75% less energy, and produced much less carbon emissions. According to simulation studies, the environmental impact might be significantly reduced by substituting even 10% of traditional cotton production with naturally colored cotton by 2030. At a market price of USD 125.84 per quintal, naturally colored cotton reached its break-even threshold; higher prices provided growers with significant financial incentives. n conclusion, naturally colored cotton presents a viable path toward environmentally sustainable textile production, particularly in regions with limited resources. It also promotes low-impact value chains in the cotton industry with the support of policy assistance, increased consumer awareness, and research to address yield constraints.
Keywords: Naturally Coloured Cotton, Economic benefits, Energy Utilization, Water Consumption, Emission reduction
How to Cite?: Manasa C. P., Shivakumar K. M., Baghyalakshmi K., "Environmental and Economic Benefits of Naturally Coloured Cotton: A Comparative Study with Conventional Cotton", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1253-1259, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26312192522, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26312192522