gyapot

Gyapot is a term used in some languages to denote cotton, a natural fiber produced by the seed hairs of Gossypium plants. Cotton fibers are soft, fluffy, and primarily composed of cellulose. They have high absorbency and good comfort against the skin, but they can weaken when wet and tend to shrink after washing.

Production and processing begin with cultivating cotton plants in warm, frost-free regions. After harvest, the fibers are separated from the seeds in a gin, a process known as ginning. The lint is then spun into yarn and woven or knitted into textiles. Major cotton-producing countries include China, India, the United States, Pakistan, and Brazil, among others.

Common uses of cotton textiles include everyday clothing, towels, bed linens, and home textiles. Cottonseed oil, derived from the seeds, is used for cooking and food products, while cottonseed meal and hulls serve as animal feed and various byproducts. Cotton fibers can be treated or blended with synthetic fibers to enhance performance, such as strength or stretch.

Environmental and social considerations accompany cotton production. The crop is relatively water-intensive and has historically relied on pesticides in conventional farming, though organic and integrated farming practices aim to reduce environmental impact. Cotton has played a significant role in the development of global textile industries and remains a foundational fiber in modern economies.