Cotton has been the king of apparel fiber since time immemorial. Archeological excavations of about 300 B.C. in Indus valley and citation in Rigveda, written about 15 centuries B.C. reveal the ancient use of cotton fibers. Marco Polo mentioned the cultivation of tree cotton in Gujarat in about 1290 A.D. The erst-while East India Company attempted to introduce American cotton for cultivation during 18th century on experimental basis on cultivator's fields in Gujarat. But since no success was achieved, efforts were made to improve indigenous cottons, particularly after the establishment of a research station at Surat in 1896. However, systematic work on cotton started in 1904 at this station for the first time in the state. Since then the entire research apparatus has been strengthened in terms of manpower, equipments and new stations from time to time. Main Cotton Research Station, Surat has one regional research station at Bharuch and two sub stations viz; at Achhalia and Hansot in NAU. In addition to this, seven regional and five sub stations in other Agricultural Universities of Gujarat are located in other parts of the State. It is supported by liberal grants from the State Govt., I.C.A.R., Govt. of India and a number of private organizations.