Cotton output likely to be around 325-lakh bales

MUMBAI: Cotton output in India this year is expected to be around 325-lakh bales, said a senior government official.

“I am sure that it will not be less than 325-lakh bales,” said Mr A B Joshi, Textile Commissioner.

Concerns have been expressed in the past few months about cotton production in the country likely to get affected following unseasonal rains.

 

“Yes, rains had a damaging effect on cotton output, especially in regions like Andhra Pradesh which was hit by cyclonic showers. But as a counter, production from other pockets like Maharashtra has been very high and rains have in fact, helped increase t he output,” Mr Joshi said, indicating that it is a mixed—bag sort of situation.

 

The Cotton Advisory Board (CAB) had made a prediction in August that production could be around 325-lakh bales. Various industry bodies have given different estimates ranging from 300-lakh bales to 350-lakh bales, indicating divergent views on the impact of the rains on cotton production.

The CAB’s prediction is generally very sound and historically it has not gone wrong, the Textile Commissioner said, adding a review of the estimate will be done at a CAB meeting to be held shortly. – PTI

 

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/07141430.htm