Business

India’s Cotton production expected to grow by 4.5% in 2013-14: CAI

Cotton Association of India (CAI) has estimated the production of cotton crops to grow by 4.56 % to 37.2 million bales (170 kg each) during the season 2013-14 beginning October 1, 2013. CAI has estimated the cotton crop for the season 2012-13 at 35.58 million bales. Cotton season runs from October-September. The acreage under cotton is not expected to exceed that of the cotton season 2012-13, CAI said in a release. However, timely rains will result in higher yields. Gujarat, the highest yielding state in India, has seen an increase of over 10% in acreage on the back of good monsoon.

All other cotton growing states have also received a good rainfall this monsoon as against a below average rainfall in 2012-13. According to the India Meteorological Department, rainfall recorded 17% more in states of Maharashtra and Gujarat compared to the last 50-year average. These states are the nation’s top growers, representing almost 50% of the crop. However, some regions of Maharashtra had received excessive rain in July that has damaged the cultivation of cotton crops.