COLOURED COTION PRESENT STATUS, PROBLEMS AND FUTURE POTENTIALS

Abstract

Naturally coloured cotton is a very enthusiastic proposition for all of us who share concern about health, safety and threat to ecosystem. The rapid strides of industrial progress has in its wake witnessed a number of environmental problems in almost all spheres of human activities; and textile industry is not an exception to it. Indiscriminate use of chemicals in cotton production as well as for dyeing and finishing of fabrics in textile industries adds to the environmental pollution. In the wake of recent ban on the Azo dyes and more than 100 toxic chemicals used in textile industry and increasing awareness about the deteriorating environment, use of coloured cotton is unique in cotton fabric and apparel market. In this article an attempt has been made to review most pertinent literature on the present status of research, breeding strategies, problems associated with commercial adoption of coloured cotton and its potential.