19 Dec '24
(Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL): Cotton Association of India (CAI) has projected India's cotton production at 302.25 lakh bales of 170 kg each for the current 2024-25 season (October-September). This production is expected to decrease by around 7 per cent, as CAI had estimated a production of 325.22 lakh bales in the previous season.
The Indian government has projected production at 299.26 lakh bales for the current season. However, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected India’s cotton production considerably higher at 320 lakh bales of 170 kg (25 million bales of 480 pounds) in its December 2024 WASDE report.
Insights
Cotton Association of India forecasts a 7 per cent decrease in cotton production for the 2024-25 season, estimating 302.25 lakh bales.
While the Indian government predicts slightly lower figures, the USDA projects a higher output.
The production in northern and central India is expected to drop, whereas south India might see a slight increase.
CAI stated that cotton production in northern India, which includes Punjab, Haryana, and upper and lower Rajasthan, may decrease to 34 lakh bales this season from 45.62 lakh bales.
Production in the central zone, comprising Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, may also fall from 202.21 lakh bales to 189 lakh bales. Conversely, production in South India is expected to rise slightly to 74 lakh bales from 73.85 lakh bales last season.
The total cotton supply up to the end of November 2024 is estimated at 108.41 lakh bales, consisting of 69.22 lakh bales of production, 9 lakh bales of imports, and an opening stock of 30.19 lakh bales at the beginning of the season.
Furthermore, CAI has estimated cotton consumption up to the end of November 2024 at 54 lakh bales. Export shipments up to November 30, 2024 are estimated at 4 lakh bales. The stock at the end of November 2024 is estimated at 50.41 lakh bales.
The industry body has retained its estimate for the total cotton supply until the end of the cotton season 2024-25 at the same level as previously estimated, i.e., 357.44 lakh bales. This includes opening stocks of 30.19 lakh bales, production of 302.25 lakh bales for the current season, and imports of 25 lakh bales.
The cotton imports estimated by CAI for the season are higher by 9.80 lakh bales compared to last year. Domestic consumption is estimated at 313 lakh bales for the current season. Exports for the 2024-25 season, estimated by CAI, remain the same as previously estimated at 18 lakh bales, which are 10.36 lakh bales lower than last year’s export of 28.36 lakh bales. (Source: Fibre2Fashion.com)