An estimated 60 million households were engaged in natural fibre production during 2016, including some 45 million households producing Cotton, 6 million producing Jute, kenaf and allied fibres, about 5 million Wool producers, 1 million involved in production of Coir, and another one million involved in other natural fibres, such as Abaca, Hemp, Sisal and Silk.
When family labour, hired workers and employees in associated service industries such as transportation and storage are considered, total employment in the agricultural segments of natural fibre value chains probably reaches about 200 million people per year, or between 2% and 3% of the world’s population.
World production of all fibres is estimated to have exceeded 100 million metric tons for the first time in 2016, a milestone for mankind and fibre industries. Natural fibres accounted for nearly 30% of the total and manmade fibres the balance.
Download press release: 60 Million households produce Natural Fibres
Download data table: World Fibre Production up to 2016
