Textile sector's concern increased due to possibility of reduction in cotton production

21-Nov-2024 03:13 PM

The textile sector in India is facing significant concerns due to a decline in domestic cotton production for the 2024-25 marketing season.

The decrease is attributed to multiple factors, including a reduction in the area sown with cotton, damage from natural calamities, and the impact of diseases and pests.

Estimates suggest that cotton production in India could fall to approximately 302 lakh bales (170 kg each) this year, down from 325 lakh bales in the 2023-24 season.

In Gujarat, the country's leading cotton-producing state, the sowing area has dropped from 26.82 lakh hectares in 2023 to 23.71 lakh hectares in 2024, a decline of nearly 3 lakh hectares.

Furthermore, many farmers have shifted to groundnut cultivation, prioritizing it over cotton due to the potential for better income, leading to a significant reduction in cotton acreage.

The sowing area for groundnuts has increased from 16.35 lakh hectares last year to 19.08 lakh hectares this season.

Alongside these shifts in land use, the cotton crop has also faced challenges from diseases and pests, which have negatively impacted yields. Consequently, the pressing of cotton in Gujarat is expected to fall from 90 lakh bales to around 80 lakh bales.

To mitigate the impact of these challenges, experts stress the urgent need for the adoption of improved and hybrid cotton seed varieties to enhance yield.

The rapid development of infrastructure in Gujarat's ginning and spinning sectors underscores the need for a steady supply of cotton to support these industries. However, the ongoing decline in cotton production could strain the availability of this essential raw material.