India's cotton production holds steady at 311.4 lakh bales: CAI

CAI’s August estimates are: 29.55 lakh bales in the North Zone, 186.50 lakh bales in the Central Zone, 89.50 lakh bales in the South Zone, and 5.85 lakh bales in Odisha and other states.

State-wise estimates are: Punjab – 1.50 lakh bales, Haryana – 8.05 lakh bales, upper Rajasthan – 10.35 lakh bales, lower Rajasthan – 9.65 lakh bales, Gujarat – 77.50 lakh bales, Maharashtra – 90 lakh bales, Madhya Pradesh – 19 lakh bales, Telangana – 49.50 lakh bales, Andhra Pradesh – 12 lakh bales, Karnataka – 24 lakh bales, Tamil Nadu – 4 lakh bales, Odisha – 3.85 lakh bales, and other states – 2 lakh bales.

Total cotton supply until the end of July 2025 is estimated at 374.43 lakh bales, comprising pressings of 302.24 lakh bales, imports of 33 lakh bales, and an opening stock of 39.19 lakh bales.

CAI estimates domestic cotton consumption up to the end of July 2025 at 261.66 lakh bales, while export shipments during the same period are estimated at 16 lakh bales. Stocks at the end of July 2025 are estimated at 96.77 lakh bales, including 32.50 lakh bales with textile mills and 64.27 lakh bales with CCI, the Maharashtra Federation, and others (MNCs, traders, ginners, exporters, etc), including cotton sold but not delivered.

For the full 2024-25 cotton season (ending September 30, 2025), CAI projects total supply at 389.59 lakh bales, compared to the previous estimate of 380.59 lakh bales. This includes the opening stock of 39.19 lakh bales on October 1, 2024, production of 311.40 lakh bales, and imports of 39 lakh bales (up from 15.20 lakh bales in the 2023-24 season).

The CAI has also increased its domestic consumption estimate for 2024-25 to 314 lakh bales, from 308 lakh bales previously. Exports for the season are projected at 18 lakh bales, down from 28.36 lakh bales in 2023-24.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)