In the vast landscapes of Mexicocotton fields unfold like a natural tapestry that bears witness to centuries of history and culture. Beyond simply being plantations, these fields represent the soul of a textile tradition rooted in the land itself.
Let’s learn more about the fascinating world of this plant that tells the history of work and sustainability in our country.
cotton cultivation in Mexico
There are more than 40 species of cotton in the world that originate in Asia, Africa, India and America. However, there is a species that is endemic to Mexico, it is the highland cotton or Mexican cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).
There is archaeological evidence that shows the cotton cultivation in the Tehuacán Valley about 5 thousand years ago. In fact, this species of cotton is known as ichcatelin the Nahuatl language.
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However, some researchers suggest that the origin of the Mexican cotton species, as well as its varieties, occurred on the borders between southern Mexico and Guatemala. There is also a Mayan voice that recognizes cotton as “taman”.
Ancient Mayan women had two natural types of cotton to work with, one white and the other light brown, called cuyuscate, both commonly dyed. Preparing cotton for spinning was very onerous, as it had to be washed and the seeds removed. Cotton used to be associated with the elites.
This species is characterized by being a herbaceous plant that grows year after year and reaches 60 to 150 centimeters in height. Its stem is green and sometimes tends to be of a reddish tone, with simple hairiness.
Its flowers emerge from the axillary inflorescence and reach 2.5 centimeters long. Their color is white, yellowish or reddish. While its fruit is a capsule with three to five parts.
The use of this plant is mainly textile. For example, in Mayan societies, they already used it to spin various clothing. Even the use of cotton used to be associated with the elites of that time.
Tradition that lasts in the cotton fields
Cotton continued to be grown and harvested in our country ever since. It develops mainly in warm areas, since for its growth it requires temperatures higher than 15 degrees Celsius. In addition to good lighting and constant watering.
Due to our climatic conditions, Mexico becomes an ideal place for the production of this plant. That is why our country is currently one of the main producers worldwide.
Today, native cotton species have been reported to exist in at least 27 states. Although there are six federal entities that support the agro-industrial cultivation of cotton: Tamaulipas, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango.
It is important to note that 70 percent of the cotton fiber produced in our country is destined for the national textile industry, while the rest is exported, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Other uses
However, cotton fields also offer a product that can be used in other areas of life. For example, the seed can also be used for oil production and for fodder consumption.
In addition, being used as raw material for t-shirts, pants, towels, it can be used for the production of paper, banknotes, food, and much more. It can even be used for the cosmetic industry, fibers, soaps, and even biofuels.
These white spheres have witnessed the hard work and evolution of production in the Mexican countryside for several years now.