Cotton production estimated to decline by 7 percent to 302 lakh bales
24-Oct-2024 03:50 PM
Mumbai. The top trade body - Cotton Association of India (CAI) has estimated the domestic production of cotton to decline by about 7 percent from 325.29 lakh bales in the 2023-24 season to 302.25 lakh bales in the current marketing season (October-September) of 2024-25.
Each bale of cotton weighs 170 kg. The association says that on one hand there has been a significant decline in the sowing area of cotton and secondly, the weather conditions were also unfavorable in some areas. This will reduce the average yield rate.
According to the president of the association, domestic consumption of cotton is estimated to be 313 lakh bales in the marketing season of 2024-25, which is equal to the 2023-24 season.
But cotton exports are likely to fall by 37% to 18 lakh bales from 28.50 lakh bales during the period under review because less stock of cotton will be available for export purpose.
On the other hand, cotton imports from abroad are expected to jump by 43% to 25 lakh bales from 17.50 lakh bales during the same period.
According to the association, cotton production is likely to decline mainly in the northern and central regions. Under this,
compared to the last season, this time production may decrease by 9.62 lakh bales in the northern region and 11.05 lakh bales in the central region, while production in the southern states is also likely to decrease by 1.85 lakh bales.
Production in Orissa may decrease by 52 thousand bales. BT cotton is not cultivated in this state. In this way, compared to the 2023-24 season,
the production of cotton is estimated to decline by 23.04 lakh bales at the national level in the season 2024-25, due to which exports are likely to decrease and imports are likely to increase.
The sowing area of cotton has decreased by about 14 lakh hectares to 112.90 lakh hectares, which is believed to be the main reason for the possible decline in cotton production. Cotton sowing has decreased significantly in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.