Industries

The Woolen Industry makes varieties of cloth with different types of wool. By using long fibers of Merinos, worsted clothes are produced. Tweed, Blankets, and Flannel are produced by using short fibers called woolen clothes. Shoddy clothes are made by mixing some new with an old cloth.

Uses of Wool

Wool as a raw material is impure and highly variable fiber and is sold in the form of fleece wool, clipped from the sheep. After arriving in the mill, the wool undergoes a cleaning process that shrinks its weight by one-third or even up to two-third-dirt, and grease is removed from raw wool. After cleaning, spinning, weaving, and fill finishing is done.

Most of the natural fibers utilized for modern textiles are the very ones used in the far-distance past, near about 1700 B.C. For many centuries the making of textiles was an important handy craft and household industry. After the industrial revolution, machine fabrication changed the ages-old household art into both an art and a science.

The wool production manufacturing industry is perhaps older than the cotton textile industry. People of high and middle latitudes early recognized the virtues of wool in their cold milieus: because of its long fibers covered with barbs, which could preserve heat and absorb moisture.

Factors for the Development of the Wool Textile Industry

The physical and Socio-Economic factors are responsible for the location and development of the textile industry.

The Initial Factors

• Raw material
• Climate
• Energy resources
• Water availability
• Availability of Market
• Location Factor
• Sufficient amount of Capital
• Skill Labour Force
• Government Patronage
• Government Policy for Industrial Development
• Means of Transportation
• Industrial Solid Waste Management
• Availability of the latest technology

On the basis of quantity, the woolen industry is limited and distributed only to specific places in Europe, North America, and North-East and Southern Asia. The modern woolen industry developed in Central Europe and after the Industrial Revolution, it was revolutionized in the United Kingdom. Then it spread to European countries and North America and Asian countries. Following are some countries prominent in the woolen industry.

Top 10 Wool Production Industry by Country

Wool Production Countries	Production in MT
China	236000
United States	151000
New Zealand	103000
Argentina	89000
Turkey	75000
Iran	57000
United Kingdom	5000

1: China Wool Industry

After Revolution of 1949, wool manufacturing was largely replaced by the machine industry. Today, China ranks first in manufacturing in the world.

The harsh climate and population have created a large local market. China produces large quantities of woolen, worsted, hosiery, and blankets for home and international markets. Machine carpet manufacturing is also one of the largest industries in China. Shanghai and Canton are major wool manufacturing centers in China.

2: Japan

Japan secures the second position in the production of wool yarn and fabrics in the world. Scarcity, large population, harsh climate, and high standard of living have created a large local market. Japan’s rapid growth of woolen fabrics dominated the world market; the Woolen industry is one of the major manufacturing industries in Japan. The major wool producing centers are located in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe-Osaka, Himeji, Nagasaki, etc.

3: Great Britain (U.K.)

The U.K. pioneered the production of woolen goods, it developed as early as the 13th century, and the United Kingdom dominated woolen textiles for 700 years, from the 12th century to the 19th century.

The Industrial Revolution had a profound effect on the geography of the industry. The West Riding of Yorkshire has about 85% of Britain’s woolen operatives.

The chief centers are Bradford, Huddersfield, and Leeds. Other areas of manufacturing are the Tweed Valley of Scotland, Lancashire, and southeast England.

4: US

In the United States, the manufacturing of woolen goods started as a cottage industry and, after the Industrial Revolution, New England became the production region of woolen goods. Boston became the capital of the wool trade. The United States imports quality wool from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Wool manufacturing became identified with such cities as Providence and Woonsocket in Rhode Island and Lawrence, Lowell, and Holyoke in Massachusetts cities. Now southern states of Carolina, Georgia, and Florida also produce a significant amount of woolen goods.

5: Russian Federation

Russian woolen industry was located in Moscow and Leningrad, while Black Earth Centre and Central Volga region also produce the course, woolen products. After the Second World War, the woolen industry was shifted to the wool-producing regions of the Central Asian states of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

After the independence of Central Asian States in 1991, Russian Federation imports wool from these states, and the Moscow region has become the main center for wool manufacturing.

6: Wool Production in India

Woolen manufacturing was the age-old cottage industry in the northwestern states of India, particularly the valley of Kashmir are notable. While the first modern woolen textile mill was established in 1876 at Kanpur.

Important States

Punjab, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh are the foremost producers of woolen goods in India, they account for 73% of the total spindle-age capacity. While Gujrat, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir are next in importance.

Punjab is leading in the woolen industry, Dariwal, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Kharar are the main centers.

7: Germany

Germany is an important country in woolen manufacturing. Germany produces fine wool but does not meet the need of the local woolen industry. Therefore, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Argentina fulfill their wool needs.

In Germany, most of the woolen mills are located in Saxony, Westphalia, and Ruhr regions. Barmen, Elberfeld, and Aachen are famous for woolen goods manufacturing.

8: France

France is an important industrial country in the world and it has established a large woolen industry. France lacks the woolen raw material. It fulfills its 80% wool needs by importing wool from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina.

Rhine and science valley industrial region is famous for the woolen industry in Paris and Strasburg are centers for woolen manufacturing.

9: Pakistan

The geography & Physical features are very good. The first modern woolen textile mill was established in Karachi in 1947, named Valika Woolen Mills. At present, more than 30 woolen mills are manufacturing woolen, cloth, knitwear, blankets, and other goods for the local and international markets. Transportation is improved & still growing. They have the fastest deliveries.

Pakistan is blessed with crops and forests. Farmers grow different plants in different areas and are transporting them to other parts where the woolen textile industry is located Karachi, Lawrencepur, Harnai, Bannu, Sheikhpura, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Quad Abad, D.I. Khan, and Jhang, etc. Pakistan lacks quality and imports from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Other Countries of the World

These countries, Canada, Italy, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and Iran, are the main countries in woolen textile manufacturing.

The Word Cotton comes from the Arabic word “al-qutn” and is a member of the Malvaceae family of flowering plants that includes hibiscus, Pavonia, and mallow plants. It is a white fibrous agricultural product; its an example of a primary economic activity that has a wide variety of uses, from textile production to creating paper, to producing oil and food products. It is grown all around the globe and is traded internationally as well the international trade in cotton is led by the United States and the African nations and totals more than $12 billion annually.

There are many types of industries in the world but the Cottage industry is very famous at the local and international levels. The cottage industry is an industry, mainly manufacturing, which involves many producers working part-times from their homes. The term was initially used to refer to workers who were engaged in tasks like lace making, sewing, or household manufacturing.

The cultivation appears to have begun in present-day Pakistan approximately 6,000 years ago. The Harappa civilization of the Indus River Valley exported cotton fabrics to the early Semitic peoples of the Middle East as well as the Egyptians starting around 3000 B.C.E.; from there, made its way into Nubia, Meroe, and the interior of Africa.

Similar cultivation apparently took place in the Americas independently, albeit later: the ancient Peruvian Moche and Nazca civilizations, which flourished as Rome was declining in Europe, made extensive use of cotton fabric.

Factors for Cotton Textile Industry Development

These Physical and Socio-Economic factors are responsible for the location and development..

The initial factors such as

• Raw material
• Climate
• Energy resources
• Water availability
• Geography
• Availability of Market 6: Location Factor 
• Sufficient amount of Capital
• Skill Labor Force
• Government Patronage
• Government Policy for Industrial Development 
• Means of Transportation
• Industrial Solid Waste Management

Types of Cotton

More specifically, cotton is classified with a genus of tropical and subtropical shrubs known as Gossypium.

There are four commercial species of cotton, the most common are:

1. Gossypium Hirsutum, (A variety native to Mesoamerica, Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean)
2. Arboreum or “tree cotton,” (Grows in India and Pakistan)
3. Barbadebse or “Creole,” or “Egyptian” cotton, (A South American variety)
4. Herbaceum or “Levantine” cotton (Native to southern Africa and the Middle East)

Top 10 Cotton Textile Industries in the World

Although the cotton textile industry is widespread, only 40 countries manufacture it at a large scale and export it to the international market. Among these countries, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, United States, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Philippine, Syria, Thailand, and Turkey are most important in cotton textile manufacturing.

Cotton Yarn Manufacturers in World	Total Production in Million MT
China	284
India	226
USA	158
Pakistan	115
Indonesia	75
Brazil	40
Turkey	40
Korea	23
Italy

1: China

Textile manufacturing is one of the oldest cottage industries in China. Industrial development took place after the Communist Revolution in 1949. Now large enterprises are the backbone of the Chinese cotton textile industry.

The cotton textile industry is spread over 18 provinces. Shanghai, Manchuria, Tienshan, Beijing, Chuang, Nanchang, and Lanchow are major cotton textile manufacturing centers. Honanfu and Wushan are other important areas in the southern Hwangho river valley.

The Yangtze River valley, Tienshan, Shantung, Shanghai, and Kaifeng rectangle manufacture more than 55% of cotton textile in China.

2: India

The cotton textile industry in India was most firmly rooted before the modern machine industry beginning in 1818 at Fort Gloster near Calcutta but the real success was the first mill established at Bombay in 1851.

The Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka states are major contributors to cotton textile; Solapur, Mumbai, Poona, Nagpur, Jalgaon, Broach, Baroda, Bhavnagar, Surat Cambay, Coimbatore, Kanpur, and Amritsar are major cities in cotton textile manufacturing. Maharashtra and Gujrat states are equipped with 104 textile mills and contribute 40% of output.

3: United States of America

Textile Industry in the US is one of the front-runners among manufacturing countries. The first cotton textile mill was established in Rhode Island in 1790.

In the New England States, the industry is concentrated in the states of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Providence, Woonsocket, New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Beverly, Lowell, and Manchester.

The belt of plains and hills between the Appalachian Mountains and Atlantic possesses 85% cotton spindles and produces 75% of U.S.

4: Russian Federation

Russia is an important cotton textile manufacturing country in the world. Before Revolution, the first mill was established at Ivanova, near Moscow.

The Moscow and Ivanove region maintain supremacy in cotton textile manufacturing is Manchester of the CIS in cotton spinning and weaving. Russia imports lint from the Central Asian States.

5: United Kingdom

Textile Industry in the UK started after the industrial revolution. During the 18th and 19th centuries, industry attained such high fame that the country became the undisputed king of the cotton textile industry.

Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rock date, Oldham, and Blackburn are important textile manufacturing centers. Lancashire alone produces 90% of the U.K…

6: Japan

The first cotton textile industry in Japan was established in 1868 in the vicinity of South Kyushu. By the middle of the 20th century, Japan became one of the largest producing nations. Japan import raw material from the U.S.A., China, and India.

Chukyon, Hanshin, Toyama, Kyushu, Keihin, Osaka, and Nagoya are important cotton textile manufacturing centers. Osaka is the most important textile center in the country.

7: Brazil

Cotton textile industry in Brazil began in 1860 in Bahia and the cotton-growing region. Abdunt raw material, large domestic market, and cheap hydel powder have boasted in Brazil.

Porto Alegre, Belem, Fortaleza, Joao Pessoa, Recite, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Sao Paulo, and Companies are important cotton textile manufacturing centers.

8: Pakistan

The cotton Textile industry in Pakistan could be termed the ‘backbone’ of Pakistan’s economy. It is the largest and greatest source of foreign exchange earnings. The spinning sector is one of the most important sectors. After independence, the first Valika Cotton Textile Mill was established in Karachi in 1948.

Karachi is now the center of industry, while Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Sheikhpura, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Okara, Khairpur, Jhang, and Gujranwala are other cotton textile manufacturing centers. It is composed of more than 444 textile mills and with an installed capacity of 146 thousand rotors and 8.6 million spindles.

Other Countries of the World with Textile Factories

Mexico, Egypt, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey are some other prominent countries in the cotton textile industry.

China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, U.S.A. are the most important countries, which export cotton textiles and ready-made garments.

Today rice crop is being cultivated in 115 countries of the world. China ranks first in Rice Producing among all production countries with about 30% of global rice production. The continent of Asia produces more than 90% of the world, and it is a significant crop in more than 50 countries. About 96% of production is consumed in countries they grow.

Rice is usually considered a tropical crop. However, it is grown throughout the temperate zones, from latitude 50°N in China to 35°S in South America. Rice yields are generally higher in temperate than in the tropics.

The world’s total area was 156.95 million hectares, while total production was 651.74 million metric tons.

The continent of Asia ranks first in production in the world and 29 countries grow. In the continent of Africa, 39 countries cultivate and it ranks second in rice production. In the Western hemisphere, the continent of South America ranks third in rice production. In the world, two major species: Asian rice and African rice are grown. About 50,000 varieties exist within these two species and only a few hundred of them are cultivated.

Rice History

Rice is the primary food for half of the people in the world and tropical and monsoon regions. Cultivation originated as early as 10,000 B.C. in Asia. As early as 4000 B.C., it was grown in Thailand and over the countries spread to China, Japan, and Indonesia.

Later its cultivation moved to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. It was cultivated in the Euphrates valley in 400 B.C. and in Mediterranean countries around 330 B.C. Its cultivation in the American Colonies began in 1685, at the commercial level.

Uses of Rice | Importance of Rice

Rice is a nutritious food, providing about 90% of calories from carbohydrates and as much as 13% of calories from protein. It is used for a variety of food and non-food products. Food includes cooked rice, breakfast cereals, desserts, and rice flour.

Also used in beer. Its hull is used as fuel, fertilizer, and insulation, while the bran is a source of cooking oil. Straw from the leaves and stems is used as bedding for animals and for weaving roofs, hats, baskets and sandals. Rice bran is used in livestock and poultry feed. Rice straw makes a good rough feed for cattle and is used for fuel and mulch and papermaking. Rice starch is the basis for most face powders.

Types of Rice

Asia is considered the homeland for the maximum varieties of this staple food. It has more varieties than other cultivators around the globe and the most famous and most liked types of rice in the world are as under:

Basmati Rice

Sticky Rice

Jasmine Rice

Names of Rice in the World

Although, there are thousands of varieties of rice, can broadly be classified as:

Plain or Paddy Rice

Paddy rice is grown in densely populated lands and required a large quantity of water.  Paddy rice fed by rainfall alone accounts for about 50% of grown worldwide. Though irrigation and rainfall fulfil the water requirements of the rice crop and provide about 35% of rice produced.

Plateau or Mountainous Rice

Plateau or Mountainous rice is grown at high altitudes and hill shapes in heavy rainfall regions. It is less productive than paddy rice because paddy waters are the storehouse of nutrients. Upland rice accounts for about 15% of rice production in the world.

Physical & Economic Factor affecting Rice Farming

The following Physical conditions are necessary:

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Climate

Climate is the major factor, which specifies growth. Therefore a specific amount of rainfall and temperature is required. These are two Major factors of climate.

Temperature

It requires high temperatures during the growing season of rice from 4 to 6 months. The temperature should be more than 26°C and in no way less than 21°C even for the quick maturing varieties.

Rice is a tropical crop, which thrives under high temperatures, between 21°C to 38°C, while the average temperature of 21°C is best suitable for its vegetative growth.

Rainfall / Water

Rice is known as a plant of water and humid climate. Average rainfall of at least 45 inches tall irrigation is required during vegetative growth of about 90 days. The crop does best under high rainfall and high humidity. In areas of moderate rainfall, 20 to 40 inches of irrigation becomes necessary.

Soil

Rice can be grown successfully on soils ranging from silt loam to clays. Alluvial soil is the most suitable soil for the growth of rice. Heavy clayey subsoil with water retaining capacity gives the best results.

Land

The flooding of fields requires level land and therefore river valleys, deltas and coasted plains are suitable areas. The river plain and delta regions with fertile silt at the top arid and clay bed are recognized as the best fields.

ECONOMIC FACTORS

Along with suitable physical conditions, high yields can only be obtained with the help of proper inputs and adopting the best Economic methods.

Soil Preparation

The Clay loam soils with fine textures are most suitable for rice plants. Therefore, river basins and deltas are best suited for cultivation.  Rice plant needs a smooth surface with a gentle slop. The soil must be well prepared and converted into fine soil particles.

Skill and Cheap Labour

Skilled and cheap labor is a Major part of crop cultivation and its play a vital role in yield production through this source, production can be increased.

Seed Quality and Planting Time

In different planting methods, different amount of seed is required. In most Asian countries, rice growing is started in the nursery and after 30 to 40 days of germination, transplanted in a paddy. In this method, 4 to 5 kg seed for Basmati and 8 to 10 kg for Irri is required.

Method of Plantation & Processing

In this method, when the nursery and fields are ready, Puddy fields are flooded with water and plowed by tractors or bullocks, and the water and soil mixture is prepared and known as Kaddo.

Then nursery is transplanted into rows 8 to 10 inches apart. In this method, about 2 lakh plants are transplanted in one acre. The number of plants is the key indicator to achieving the maximum yield.

Selection of Seeds Varieties

The seed plays a vital role in the production of rice. On the other hand, the selection of high yielding variety, resistance to pests and diseases, and a locality are one of the ways of increasing the yield and production.

Fertilizers Uses

Rice needs fertile nutrient-rich soils. Therefore, for high and quality yields of rice balanced and in time use of fertilizers increase the yield by more than 20% now, the use of fertilizers has become very important for increasing the production of Rice.

Safety of Crops

Being a tropical crop, many pests, weeds, diseases, and insects can hit the rice crops, which causes more than 25% loss of crop, which lowers the yield. Therefore, through good management and the use of herbicides, weeds must be eradicated.

Harvesting

Harvesting rice when the moisture content is about 18 to 22 percent is necessary for quality control. Now, most of the rice crop is harvested and thrashed at the same time by combined harvesters or hand methods.

Largest Rice Producing Countries in World

Rice Producing Countries	Total Production in Million MT
China	195.7
India	148.2
Indonesia	64.3
Bangladesh	47.7
Vietnam	38.7
Myanmar	30.4
Philippines	16.2
Brazil	12.65

1: China Rice Production

China outranks all nations of the world in rice production. Different types of rice In China are growing in the regions located between 23° to 33° North Latitudes, occupying Southern and southeastern provinces. The heaviest acreage and production are obtained in the lower valleys of Yangtze and Si-Kiang rivers.

Chinese Rice Farms

The Szechwan province, the floodplain of the Yangtze River basin, in the southwest Yunnan and Kweichow provinces, Fukien, Kwantung, Kwangsi provinces, provinces of Hunan, Kiangsi, and Chekiang are the main rice-farming regions in China.

China Rice Production

It produced about 187 million metric tons, which is about 30 percent of the world’s total rice production, this production was harvested from 29.5 million hectares.

2: India Rice Production

Rice is an important crop in India. Almost every state grows. About 23% of the total cropped area. The greatest concentrations of cultivation are in the floodplains, deltas, and coastal districts.

Indian Rice Production States

India is the second largest producer of rice in the world, the important rice-growing states of India are West Bengal, Tamal Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Assam.

The rice harvested in India was 44 million hectares, while rice production was 141 million metric tons.

3: Indonesia

Indonesia is the third largest producer of rice in the world. The humid and hot climate, rich volcanic soils, and intensive farming and growing seasons of rice made Indonesia the largest producer.

Two crops of Indonesian rice varieties are grown in one year taking advantage of both southwest and northeast monsoon.

According to statistical data, Indonesian rice grown production was 57 million metric tons, while the area was 12.1 million hectares. Java is the main island, where rice is grown; it’s two-third cultivated.

4: Bangladesh Rice Production

Bangladesh is the 4^th largest producer in the world. The climatic and soil conditions are most suitable for the crop, but per hectare, yield is quite low than international standards, this is due to primitive methods of cultivation but still, there are different types of rice grown there.

Most of the cultivated areas are lowlands a small quantity is grown in the uplands of Chittagong hill tracks of Dhaka, Mymen Singh, Farid pur, and Rajshahi region.

5: Vietnam Rice Production

Fertile alluvial soils of river basins and hot humid maritime climate and a surplus labor force have created an excellent atmosphere for rice cultivation. Vietnam is the 5th largest producer of rice in the world.

The Red Basin in northern Vietnam and Mekong Valley in southern Vietnam is home to rice farming. Its a 7.3 million hectare area, while its production was 35.6 million metric tons.

6: Myanmar Rice

Myanmar produces a surplus and exports sizeable amounts of rice. The Monsoon climate of Myanmar is most suitable for rice cultivation. Myanmar is the 6^th largest producer of rice in the world.

Its production of rice was 32.6 million metric tons and the area under rice crop was 8.2 million hectares. Arakan coastal region, Tenasserim region, and the river Irrawaddy delta provide fertile clayey soils.

7: Thailand Rice Production

Thailand is another important rice producer in the southeastern monsoon region. It ranks 7th in rice production in the world for various types of rice grown in Thailand. The maritime monsoon climate, fertile soils of the Menam basin, abundant labor, and domestic demand, has forced Thailand to produce bulk amounts. Thailand produced 27.8 million from 10.4 million hectares of land.

8: Philippines Rice Production

Rice is a staple food crop of the Philippines, about half of the cultivated area is devoted to crops, which is more than 4.3 million hectares. More than 80% crop is paddy rice, and only about 20% is upland rice.

In the Philippines, nearly all crops are grown on the western side of the mountain of Luzon and the Central Plain region. Recently, rice production in the Philippines was 16.0 million metric tons. Maritime, monsoon climate, and fertile soils have created an ideal environment for the intensive crop, and the 8^th largest rice producer in the world.

9: Brazil

Brazil outranks all other countries outside the monsoon Asia in rice hectare age. Brazil ranking the 9^th largest rice producer in the world produces about 3% output of the world.

Most of the Brazilian rice crop is grown in the southeastern region, where climatic and pedologic conditions are ideal for rice production in Brazil. The total for cultivation is 2.9 million hectares and production is 11.0 million metric tons.

10: Japan Rice Production

It is the staple food crop of the Japanese. Rice occupies 50% of the tilled land in Japan, which is about 1.7 million hectares. Total Japanese Rice Production was 10.9 million metric tons.

Rice is grown in coastal lowlands and hilly slopes. Kyusho and Shikoku produce two crops. Due to mechanization and agronomic skills, its per-hectare yield is quite high.

Other Important Countries

Besides, the U.S.A., Pakistan, Egypt, and South Korea are the most important rice producers in the world, and  Nepal, Cambodia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Malaysia, Laos, Iran, Columbia, Peru, North Korea, Ecuador, Italy, Australia, Uruguay, and Cote-d-Ivoire are other important rice producing countries.

Carbon is the main component of coal after the other basic components of the original living matter (hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen) progressively decayed during chemical and physical processes transforming it. The combustion of coal frees the energy of the sun stored in plants thanks to the photosynthesis millions of years ago: therefore it is an invaluable container of “fossil” solar energy.

It is solid dark colored fuel found in deposits of sedimentary rock. burned to produce energy and is used to manufacture steel. It is also an important source of chemicals used to make pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, pesticides, synthetic dyes and oils.

It comes from ancient plants buried over millions of years in the Earth’s crust. It is rich in hydrocarbons organic matter. Higher grades coal have higher fixed carbon content.

One of the earliest known references to cool was made by Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle, who referred to charcoal and like rock found in Thrace, a region on the northwest shore of the Aegean Sea, and in the northeastern Italy.

Some historian believes it was first used commercially in China in 1000 B.C. In the early 18th century the demand escalated when England iron founders John Wilkinson and Abraham Darby used coal, in the form of coke, to manufacture iron.

The invention of the coal burning steam engine by Scottish mechanical engineer James Watt in 1769 boosted the demand. During the 20th century uses of petroleum and natural gas reduce the demand. The black gold backbone of the industrial revolution, experienced a renaissance in the 1970’s after 30 years of neglect.

At present, it is second largest source of energy and it fulfills 24% energy demand of the world. Worlds, 39% electricity are being produced by burning coal.

4 Types of Coal

Coal is classified into four types which are lignite, subbituminous, bituminous and Anthracite based on the carbon content and the amount of energy they can produce. These categories are explained below in detail:

1: Anthracite Coal – The best type of Coal

This is the highest ranked, hardest, oldest, and least common type of coal. It possesses a high energy content, high percentage of carbon more than 90% and relatively little moisture or volatiles.

It is low in volatile matter (oxygen and hydrogen). Anthracite bums with almost no smoke. Anthracite deposits account for only 5% of global output. Only China and U.S.A. have large deposits of anthracite.

2: Bituminous Coal

This is the second rank of coal, softer and younger than anthracite, and containing a lower percentage of carbon between 60% to 80% carbon content. Bituminous coal is most mined and most widely available. It is suitable for heavy industry and is also used for coking. It is mostly used in steel industry. Bituminous shares nearly four-fifth of the global output of coal.

3: Lignite Coal

This is the softest, youngest, and wettest rank of coal. Lignite is popularly known as “brown coal”. It has carbon content from 45% to 65% and highest the moisture. Lignite coal used for generating thermal electricity and is being used for chemical industry. Germany, Hungary, Russian Federation, Australia and Czech Republic possess large reserves of lignite coal.

4: Peat Coal

Peat is most inferior grade of coal that has been formed only through very limited degree of decomposition. It contains only 30% of carbon and much higher proportion of moisture and other volatile matters. Thus peat generates very little heat and plenty of smoke.

Environmental Facts for Coal

The favorable environment for the formation of coal includes the vast coastal, lagoon or swampy plains where in the past the hot and humid climate developed rich vegetation.

The low sinking of the soil led the vegetal organisms to be quickly buried by sand and clay carried by rivers. Underground, in the absence of oxygen, the vegetal matter pressed by the weight of sediments and owing to the heat undergoes a process of compression and slow transformation into materials progressively poorer in water and rich in carbon.

2: Russian Federation and Independent States

United States possesses more than 27% deposits of the world and 246,643 million metric tons. U.S.A. is second largest producer in the world. U.S.A. produces more than 50% its thermal electricity with the help of coal.

Most important producing region is Appalachian Mountains. In this region Anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania State are one of the important deposits in the world.

Interior coal fields of Illinois basin, In the west, Pacific coastal region and interior, Gulf of Mexico and Alaska states also possesses large deposits of coal.

U.S.A. produced 1053.6 million metric tons. U.S.A. is second largest coal exporting country in the world.

4: India Coal Production

India ranks 4th largest country in coal deposits and it has 92,445 million metric tons. Reserves are 10 percent of total reserves of the world.

West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh comes in list of largest states in India by production & Contribution of 98% reserves and 99% of country’s coal.

India produced 447.3 million metric tons. Major production goes to thermal power generating sector and iron and steel manufacturing.

5: Australia Coal Production

In the continent of Africa, South Africa ranks first in coal reserves and production. It provides 97% production of Africa. Among the world, South Africa ranks 6th in coal reserves and production.

Union of South Africa has reserves in Natal, the Cape of Good Hope and Transvaal provinces.

According to recent Statistics, its reserves were 48,750 million metric tons and coal production was 257 million metric tons.

7: Germany Coal Production

Germany is the largest coal mining country in Europe. It ranks 7th in the world. Its coal reserves are 6,739 million metric tons and ranks 10th in the world.

Saar Basin, Rhur and Westphalia coal range contributes major portion of German coal output. Recently, its production was 197.2 million metric tons.

8: Poland

In the East European region Poland is important with coal reserves of 14,000 million metric tons and ranks 8th in the world.

The Silesian Coalfield is the most significant for production in Poland. Most of Poland Energy source is coal, 93 percent thermal power is produced. Poland produced 156 million metric tons.

9: Indonesia

Indonesia is 9th largest coal producing country in the world. It is exporting country and also generates thermal electricity with its help.

Recently, its production was 195 million metric tons. Indonesia ranking 14th in the world possesses 4,698 million tons reserves.

10: Pakistan Coal Production

Natural Rubber is found in the fluid of some specific plants and obtained from the milky white fluid called latex, found in many plants. But it can also be produced synthetically. Synthetic rubber producers make it through the process of polymerization of various monomers

Naturally, rubber is produced by the process of tapping the plant called Hevea Brasiliensis. The tree is a native of the Amazon River basin in South America.

These Rubber Trees generally have 32 years of economic life but they may live up to 100 years or even more than that. The plantation would start its yield from the 6th year onward. Natural rubber production is processed to convert into a storable and marketable salable form.

Later on, these trees were cultivated in the plantations of Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula, and Sri Lanka. These natural rubber trees now produce about 90% of all consumption. Gutta-percha and balata are other plants that produce.

Geographical Location for Natural Rubber Production

The ideal rubber growing regions should be 8 degrees North of Equator, 10 degrees South of Equator, and high temperature, altitude not beyond 400 meters, and high humidity.

Most Common Uses of Natural Rubber

The rubber industry produces a wide range of products like auto tires, auto tubes, automobile parts like seal & Timing Belts, footwear, Conveyor belts, cables & wires, battery boxes, etc. Block, Preserved Latex, Crepes, and sheets are some forms in which rubber is produced and used.

Basic Properties of Rubber

It comes back to its original shape if it is twisted or stretched but if heat is applied to the rubber, it won’t return to its original shape easily.

History of Rubber Plantation & Production

The rubber tree Hevea Brasiliensis is indigenous to Brazil and its wild growth was very common. Columbus made some knowledge available to Europe after the voyages of 1492. For the next two centuries, it was just a museum curiosity in Europe.

British inventor and chemist Charles Macintosh, in 1823, established a plant in Glasgow for the manufacture of water-proof cloth and rainproof garments. During the 19th century, the Brazilian government banned the export of rubber plants to preserve its monopoly. Therefore, the Brazilian Jungle continued to be the main source of crude rubber for most of the 19th century. – Source

Despite a rigid embargo, in 1876, a British explorer smuggled 70 thousand seeds of Hevea Brasiliensis, he was Sir Henry Wickham. These seeds were planted in London Kew Garden. Later on, plants 2,800 were sent to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and to Perak in, Malaya, for plantation, and then plantation was introduced in Indonesia.

In 1905, the year the first shipment was exported from Malaya, Malaysia. At that time Brazil was producing 99% of the world supply. Today Brazil accounts for less than one percent. Today more than 80% of plantation comes from south-east Asia.

Physical & Economic Factors for Rubber Production

For the growth of Natural Rubber following Physical conditions are necessary:

Physical Factors

1: Climate

For the optimum growth of rubber, conditions must be equatorial with a temperature of around 28C, with relatively little variation.

1.2: Temperature

Temperature is required more than 28 C best for the growth of rubber plants. Temperature plays a vital role in the best output

2: Rainfall

The distributed annual rainfall of 60 to 78 inches is required for rubber trees.

3: Soil

Rubber has a wide tolerance for different soil types and soil moisture factors such as moisture absorption, moisture-holding capacity, drainage, and resistance to flooding. Deep soil is required to encourage deep penetration of roots and surface rooting.

Economic Factors for Natural Rubber Production

• Energy resources
• Water availability
• Availability of Market
• Location Factor
• Sufficient amount of Capital
• Skill Labor Force
• Government Patronage
• Government Policy for Industrial Development
• Means of Transportation 10: Availability of latest Technology

2 Main Types of Natural Rubber

Rubber is one of the familiar products that can be used for Commercial, Residential and Industrial purposes. Generally, there are two types of Rubbers

1: Natural Rubber

These Natural Rubbers are derived from latex which is a milky substance found in the sap of trees. The products obtained from this process are raw products.

2: Synthetic Rubber

Synthetic rubbers are chemically synthesized. You can find many products in the market such as tires, sheets, pipes, floor, strips, bands, mats, magnets, etc.

Top Countries with Natural Rubber Production

World Total Production — 15,051 million metric tons (FAO, Statistical yearbook — 2017)

The continent of Asia ranks 1st in natural rubber production with the highest exports. The plantation was introduced in Asia in the 19th century and the first shipment for foreign trade became in 1905. The first rubber plantation was introduced by the British in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia. The continent of Asia produces more than 91 percent of the natural rubber production in the world.

South-east Asia is the home of natural rubber production, out of 28 countries 12 highest production countries are in Asia. Among the continents, Africa ranks 2nd and it produces more than 6 percent. Third important natural rubber producing region in South and Central America. This region produces more than 2 percent of natural rubber in the world.

Top 10 Natural Rubber Producing Countries in World

Countries in Rubber Production	Total Exports 2017
Thailand	US$ 6 Billion
Indonesia	US$ 5.1 Billion
Malaysia	US$ 1.1 Billion
US	US$ 101.9 Million
Vietnam	US$ 1 Billion
China	US$ 1.1 Billion
Belgium	US$ 154.1 Million
Cost-d-Ivore	US$ 1.1 Billion
Myanmar	US$ 273.3 million

Today, 28 countries produce rubber in the world and are ranked differently as per their largest rubber exports. These are the largest producing and exporting countries to date.

1: Thailand

Thailand ranks first in natural rubber production in the world. This southeast Asian country has a monsoon climate, which is most suitable for the vegetative growth of rubber plants. The Southern Thailand region has the world’s largest rubber plantation.

Thailand produces 3.12 million metric tons of natural rubber, and the area under rubber plantations was 1.7 million hectares. Per hectare yield in Thailand is 17,710 kg.

2: Indonesia

Indonesia is the 2nd largest natural rubber producer in the world. Tropical and monsoon climate suitability has encouraged plantations in Indonesia. Indonesia shared about 21% output of the world.

Its rubber production was 2.54 million metric tons and the area under rubber plantation was 3.175 million, while per hectare yield was 8000 kg, which is very low.

3: Malaysia

Malaysia ranks third after Thailand and Indonesia. The west coastal and piedmont zone of the Malay Peninsula and western part of Kalimantan is important for rubber estates.

Rubber output was 1,270,000 metric tons, while the area under plantation was 3,175,000 hectares and shared about 10% of the total production of the world.

4: India

Natural rubber plantation was introduced in India in 1880 when rubber was planted in Travancore and Malabar regions, but commercial plantation started at a relatively later date of 1902. Kerala is the most important largest rubber producer state in India, accounting for 92% for 92% of India’s rubber acreage.

Tamal Nadu, Karnataka, Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Mizorarn, and Assam are other producing states. In the recent past, India produced 803,000 metric tons of natural rubber, while the area under plantation was 450,000 hectares.

5: Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as the fifth-largest natural rubber producer in the world. The area around Ho “Chi Minh” city is of fundamental importance for rubber cultivation. Vietnam exports the bulk of its natural rubber output to an international market.

Its natural rubber production was 550,000 metric tons (550 thousand metric tons). The plantation area is 512 thousand hectares.

6: China

China is another outstanding country among rubber producing countries and has emerged as the 6th largest producer. China is an emerging industrial nation, its demand is very large, and therefore it is a deficit in production. China imports natural rubber from other countries.

China’s rubber plantations are located in the hills of the south-east and in the Yangtze basin and coastal belt.

It produced 545,000 metric tons of rubber, while the area under the plantation was 475,000 hectares.

7: Philippines

The Archipelago of the Philippines has a suitable climate for plantations. It has emerged as an important country among producers in the recent decade. Philippines coastal regions are most suitable. Its production is 360 thousand metric tons and 95 thousand hectares of plantation area.

8: Nigeria

During the last decade of the 20th century, Nigeria expanded its hectare age and yield and has become the 8th largest rubber-producing country in the world. Favorable geographical conditions, cheap labor, nearness to the European market and foreign investment have increased plantation in Nigeria.

Rubber production was 143 thousand metric tons, while the area under rubber plantation was 340 thousand hectares.

9: Cote-d-Ivore

In the West African region, plantation first started in Liberia but Cote-d-Ivoire outranked Liberia within a short period. The Cote-d-Ivoire ranks 9th in the world.

During recent years, Its average rubber production was 128 thousand metric tons while the hectare age under plantation was 75 thousand hectares. It is the largest rubber-producing country in Africa. Cote-d-Ivoire exports all its production to European countries

10: Sri Lanka

In South, Asia rubber was first planted in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) towards the close of the 19th century. Being a small country expansion of rubber plantations is not possible. Even then, Sri Lanka is the 10th largest producer in the world.

This is due to favorable Geographical conditions, cheap labor, and easy shipment to the international market. Cultivation of rubber is concentrated in the southwestern foothills of the central highlands.

Sri Lanka produced 117.6 thousand metric tons of rubber, from 116.4 thousand hectares rubber estates. Sri Lanka’s 97 percent rubber output enters the international market.

Other Rubber Production Countries

The countries Brazil, Liberia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo, Guatemala, Liberia, Mexico, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea are some other Rubber Producing Countries