Cotton
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Cotton

Climate Risk in Cotton Value Chains

The cotton value chain is likely to experience disruptions due to climate change impacts such as water availability, changing rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures. Cotton's lengthy growing season (approximately 150-180 days) already makes the crop quite vulnerable to pests and diseases. A warmer climate will only increase cotton's susceptibility.

India

How Does Climate Change Affect the Cotton Value Chain?

The production of cotton is affected by different climate threats along its value chain. Click on the buttons below to find information about how climate hazards affect each link of the value chain:

Land Suitability

Appropriate cotton land use decisions are vital to achieve optimum productivity of the land and ensure environmental sustainability. Explore the visualizations below to learn more about how cotton land suitability may change in the future.

Land Suitability for Cotton in India

Labor

Agricultural workers are especially vulnerable to increased heat stress, which affects the health of individuals and reduces labor productivity. The Universal Thermal Climate Index identifies outdoor conditions that cause discomfort to people using a combination of temperature, humidity, wind, and radiation to determine the stress (sweating, shivering, skin wetness, etc.) a person undergoes when exposed to outdoor conditions.

Seedlings

Temperature conditions are crucial for growing cotton. Seeds will have a low germination rate if the soil temperature is below 60°F (15°C).

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