Country’s cotton production is estimated to be around 325 lakh bales in 2012—13 crop year, with Gujarat topping the list at 85 lakh bales, Indian Cotton Federation (ICF) has said.
Gujarat, the production of which was estimated after considering the effects of drought conditions there, was followed by Maharashtra with 80 lakh bales (a bale is 170 kgs), Andhra Pradesh accounting for 68 lakh bales and Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan 57 lakh bales, according to A Ramani, Secretary, ICF (formerly South India Cotton Association).
The total of 325 lakh bales for the year (October— September) includes loose cotton as well, Ramani added.
While the crop forecast for Madhya Pradesh would be 16 lakh bales, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and other states may account for 11, five, two and one lakh bales.