Growing cotton can be a tough way to make a living in 2025.

Global demand has waned for several years , thanks in part to the rise of synthetic fibers . At the same time, high prices for supplies like fuel and fertilizer cut into farmers' bottom line.

Researchers have long looked for a way to get more revenue out of the crop.

"Right now most of [cotton farmers'] income comes from selling the fiber," said Keerti Rathore , a professor of soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M University who specializes in genetic modification. "But if you make the seed valuable in terms of being able to utilize that for food, and also feed for other animals, maybe they'll get more value for their seed."

Lacy Roberts / Texas A&M University / Texas A&M University

For every pound of cotton fib

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