Although cotton flourishes in warm, humid weather, close to 50% of South Africa’s cotton is planted in very dry areas in the Northern Cape, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Cottonseeds contain an edible oil and the solid parts (after extraction) are, amongst others, used as a protein-rich ingredient of feed rations for adult livestock.
How much cotton is produced in South Africa?
During the 2004/05 production year 21 987 ha were dedicated to cotton production in South Africa, with 13 121 ha under irrigation and 8 866 ha under dryland conditions.
What are the byproducts of cotton?
Some of its byproducts include cottonseed oil and cottonseed meal, a protein-rich animal feed and recent tests indicated that raw cottonseed oil is suitable for the production of paraffin and diesel. A commercial irrigation cotton farm in Marble Hall area of the Limpopo Province.
Is cotton a summer crop in South Africa?
Cotton farming in South Africa is a summer crop. It is planted from October to the end of November and harvested in May – June. Planting tim… more Cotton is a summer crop and requires adequate heat units to produce commercially viable yields. Cotton’s growth cycle is 160-180 days, dep… more
What is cottonseed oil used for?
It is not only used in textiles such as clothing, towels and bedding but in industries producing paper, ammunition, soap, furniture and tyres. Some of its byproducts include cottonseed oil and cottonseed meal, a protein-rich animal feed and recent tests indicated that raw cottonseed oil is suitable for the production of paraffin and diesel.
Which countries produce GM cotton?
Other notable cotton producers are the US, Brazil, Pakistan, Australia, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Mexico and Mali in West Africa. The US and India are the world biggest producers of cottonseed. In Cotton production genetically modified or GM cotton is grown on 25 million hectares worldwide, mostly in India, China, Pakistan and the US.