Cotton is the most important crop of the world. India ranks first in the world in respect of acreage of with about 8 million hectares under cotton cultivation and fourth in total seed cotton production. In India Gujarat is the largest producer of cotton.

Cotton requires an average annual temperature of over 16 degree centigrade and an annual rainfall of at least 50 centimeter distributed throughout the growing season. A daily minimum temperature of 16 degree centigrade is required for germination and 21-27 degree centigrade for proper vegetative growth. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 43 degree centigrades but does not do well if the temperature falls below 21 degree centigrade.

Cotton is a warm season crop.

It is grown on all types of soils like sandy loam, clay loam, black cotton soil, alluvial soil and lateric soils. Cotton needs a fertile soil with good moisture holding capacity. Good drainage and aeration are also essential as the crop cannot stand excessive moisture and waterlogging.

The government started the Cotton improvement plan systematically with the inception of first five year plan (1951). With the help of this plan lot of high yielding varieties were invented. For increasing the productivity of Cotton crop, the improved varieties which are capable of giving high yields should be cultivated. Selection of varieties mainly depends on the following factors:

• Method Of Sowing
• Crop Rotation
• Pest and Disease
• Irrigration Facilities
• Climatic Conditions