**1. Introduction**

#### **1.1 Importance of sustainable cotton production**

Although the manufacturing of synthetic fibers has risen, cotton continues to be the most significant fiber crop due to its global importance, garnering it the nickname "Queen of the Fiber Plants." Cotton production is a major industry in more than 80 nations, accounting for 2.5% of all cultivated land worldwide. Cotton also has commercial worth because it is essential to its producers' ability to earn foreign currency [1, 2]. Because of

improvements in farming practices and the development of the industry for manufacturing products made of cotton, a significant portion of the nation's workforce—roughly 40% of all workers—have jobs thanks to the cotton industry. Another source of edible oil that contributes about 60% of the total amount consumed is cotton seed [3]. Although cotton is a natural fiber, modern cotton products do not merit the name "natural fiber" due to the increased consumption of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers (applied to nearly 99% of cotton crops) to increase crop yields and improve industrial production.

More than 230 different insect species have been recorded attacking cotton crops worldwide [4]. Since cotton is the most widely grown crop and is also more likely to be attacked by insect pests, it is discovered that 16% of all pesticides used worldwide are used on a single cotton crop. Agrochemicals make up about 50% of the overall cost of seed cotton production worldwide [5]. The ecosystem and environment are being negatively impacted by the widespread use of hazardous pesticides and chemicals. As more and more pesticide-resistant species appear and change insect patterns, the widespread use of chemicals disturbs the biological equilibrium. All of this contributed to an increase in production costs. Due to the fact that these chemicals are released into the air and water, they also reduce biodiversity by causing pollution [6]. The answer to all new issues is organic cotton. In other words, no inorganic fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides are used when growing cotton; it is instead grown naturally. It has certification from a recognized certifying body.

The use of fungicides and pesticides is decreased in organic production systems to a level that supports a variety of life forms, preserving biological diversity in agriculture. This aids in both replenishing and preserving soil fertility. Other names for organic cotton include "natural cotton," "clean cotton," "green cotton," or "environmentally friendly cotton". In contrast to traditional agricultural techniques, which place a big emphasis on using chemicals, organic cotton production systems use biological materials. Chemical fertilizers are prohibited for the growth of organic cotton and must be substituted with organic manure, such as gypsum, cotton seed meal, fish meal, cake, leather meal, farmyard and green manure, composite, etc. Additionally, botanical herbicides and insecticides like ipomea, neem cake, etc., are frequently utilized. Conventional cotton farming uses pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides that have been chemically synthesized.

When picking organic cotton, the use of chemical defoliants is also avoided [7]. Organic cotton fabric is substantially more expensive because its output is less than that of conventional cotton. Because no hazardous chemicals are allowed in the production of organic cotton, not only do farmers benefit from a healthy environment, but environmental contamination is also avoided. Considering that chemicals do not alter the makeup of soil, they continue to be fertile. The use of simple, nontoxic dyes rather than dangerous chemicals like chlorine, toxic finishes, bleach, etc., during organic treatment processes reduces the need to treat water that has been contaminated with chemicals during cotton production [8].
