Çukurova Cotton

Çukurova cotton is a cotton variety grown in the Çukurova Region, encompassing the provinces of Adana, Mersin and Osmaniye, under typical Mediterranean climatic conditions. It is distinguished by its high yield and early maturity. Cultivation of this product dates back to the 14th century and it is known in the region as “White Gold,” produced using certified seeds. The long duration of sunshine, winter temperatures that do not fall below 10°C, and dry summers enhance the quality of the cotton fiber and the efficiency of production. Harvested cotton is ginned, pressed, baled, labeled under appropriate conditions, and stored. It is among the first cottons harvested in Türkiye.

Cultivation and Geographic Characteristics

Çukurova cotton is cultivated using certified seeds and is recognized for its high productivity and early maturity. Cotton production in the region has developed under the influence of the typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild and rainy winters and hot, dry summers—conditions ideal for cotton farming. Winter temperatures in this region never drop below 10°C, the duration of sunshine is long, and summers are rainless. These climatic factors directly affect boll development and fiber quality. Çukurova cotton is also distinguished by being among the first cottons harvested in Türkiye. The fiber color ranges between color grades 31 and 52.

Production Process

• Soil Preparation: If the previous crop was also cotton, soil preparation begins with the “stick cutting” process. The soil is then plowed to a depth of 20–30 cm. In spring, seedbed preparation is carried out using disk harrows, goble-disks or cultivators to warm and aerate the soil. A second plowing may be applied if weed density is high.

• Sowing: Sowing takes place between late March and mid-April, when the soil temperature at a depth of 5 cm reaches 15°C. The risk of frost must have passed.

• Maintenance: Seeds germinate within 7–10 days. If a crust forms on the soil surface, it is broken by surface harrowing. Weed control is carried out manually or with tractor hoes. Fertilization is applied at sowing as a base dressing and as a top dressing in June–July according to soil conditions. Irrigation is performed 4–5 times at intervals of 15–20 days. Pest and disease control is conducted using appropriate methods throughout the growth period.

• Harvesting: Harvesting begins when 60–70% of the bolls have opened. Harvesting can be done manually or mechanically. The harvest period varies between late August and November, depending on the sowing date, frequency of irrigation, and climatic conditions.

• Ginning, Pressing and Storage: Harvested cotton is processed in ginning and pressing facilities and baled. Labeled cotton bales are stored under appropriate conditions.

Inspection and Certification

Inspection of Çukurova cotton is carried out by an inspection board established under the coordination of the Adana Chamber of Commerce. This board includes experts from the Eastern Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute, ÇUKOBİRLİK, Çukurova University Cotton Research and Application Center, the Ministry of Trade, Provincial Directorates of Agriculture and Forestry, and various agricultural chambers and commodity exchanges in the region. Inspections are conducted at least once a year; immediate inspections may be carried out in cases of complaints. Inspection covers the production site, ginning and storage processes, bale color grade, and proper use of the official emblem. Analyses, when required, are performed at the Adana Chamber of Commerce Cotton Fiber Analysis Laboratory or another accredited laboratory.