China, the world's biggest cotton grower and consumer, has amassed record reserves by buying local harvests over the past two years to protect farmers and not to control global markets, a State-run trade group said.

The stockpiling was originally drafted as a temporary backup plan when supply exceeds demand, the China Cotton Association said. The country has bought local cotton since 2011 to ease a plunge in prices and boost farmers' profits.

China Daily - Agencies

Cotton gains as global stockpiles head higher

High prices, weak demand weigh on cotton industry

Xinjiang sets world record for cotton production

Farmers join hands to reap cotton harvest

Global cotton glut to triple Chinese inventories

China to sell cotton stockpiles next week