Although India produces more than 100 varieties of cotton, the International Textile Manufacturers' Federation recommends that not more than three varieties be cultivated in each state. Too many varieties prevent textile mills from maintaining yarn quality standards. Analysis suggests, however, that reducing the number of varieties will not meet te textile industry's needs in terms of fiber quality. Instead, the cotton industry should distribute the different varieties among different tracts. High standards for yield and qality should be maintained for new varieties. Varieties that show genetic deterioration in quality and yield should be withdrawn and varieties for which superior replacements have been found must be denotified. Varieties and hybrids meant for one tract should not be allowed to spread to other tracts and varieties cultivated in marginal quantities must be withdrawn. The All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project should launch special programs to restore the quality of older varieties that initially had outstanding quality but were allowd to deteriorate.