The Hindu Business Line : Cotton output to rise marginally

Mumbai, Oct 16 Cotton production in the year ending September 2009 is estimated at 31.65 million bales, marginally higher than last year’s output of 31.5 million bales.

The production is expected to be higher even as the acreage under cotton cultivation fell to 9.26 million hectares against 9.5 million hectares last year due to 4.27 per cent rise in yield to58.5 million bales against 56 million bales last year.

CROP DIVERSIFICATION

The drop in area is mainly due to diversion to other crops and a dry spell in the growing regions, said Mr A.B. Joshi, Textile Commissioner and Chairman of the Cotton Advisory Board (CAB).

The total cotton availability for 2008-09 is likely to be 37 million bales, including 4.3 million bales of carry-over stock.

MSP-SAVING GRACE

The global economic slowdown is expected to keep the prices under pressure in both domestic and international market.

However, the farmers in India will be protected from the drop in prices as the Government has announced a minimum support price of Rs 2,200/quintal for medium staple and Rs 3,000/quintal for long staple variety.

EXPORTS DOWN

Total cotton exports in 2008-09 are seen down at about 7.5 million bales, compared to 8.5 million bales a year ago, Mr Joshi said.

To facilitate registration of cotton exports with the Textile Commission easier, the commission is planning to introduce online registration soon.

More Stories on : Cotton

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Westerly system triggers rains over northwest

Rs 3.2 cr grant to train inland fish farmers

Inflation worries recede as number hits 18-week low

Spot rubber turns weak

AP Dairy investing Rs 60 cr for development

Cotton output to rise marginally

Extractors body seeks duty imposition on edible oils

Pepper futures market recovers on buying support

CCEA clears Rs 50 a quintal paddy bonus