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"Farmers are reported to have consumed more certified seeds this year compared to last year."

Mumbai , Sept. 5

THE country's cotton cultivation during the 2003-2004 season (October-September) may increase by 12 per cent to around 85 lakh hectares, according to an estimate by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).

"Monsoon has been quite favourable during the initial two months and the farmers are reported to have consumed more certified seeds as compared to the previous year," Mr Vishwa Nath, Chairman and Managing Director, CCI, said during the AGM.

Area under Bt cotton is also likely to be higher at around 1.25 lakh hectares compared to 40,000 hectares in the previous season.

Despite competition from private trade and sluggish demand, CCI has turned in a profit before tax of Rs 3.12 crore on a turnover of Rs 971.53 crore for the year ended March 2003.

The cotton year of 2002-2003 was one of the most difficult one mainly because of the drought-like situation resulting in low acreage. According to Mr Vishwa Nath, agro-climatic conditions at the time of sowing were not favourable. "In the irrigated belt of Northern Zone, canal water supply was not regular especially in Upper Rajasthan and in the rain fed areas of Central and Southern Zone rains were delayed," Mr Nath said.

During the year, CCI procured cotton in Maharashtra for the first time in 25 years. CCI opened two branches — Akola and Aurangabad — for procuring kapas.

According to Mr Nath, the partial relaxation of the cotton monopoly procurement scheme by the Government of Maharashtra was a significant and important development. CCI procured 2.02 lakh bales during the year from Maharashtra alone.

According to the Cotton Advisory Board (CAB)'s estimates, cotton crop during the 2002-2003 season is around 136 lakh bales.

CCI took up Integrated Cotton Farming on an experimental basis in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa in 103 villages with an area of 2,996 hectares involving 3,157 farmers.

This project involved organising supply of inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, training of farmers, advice on crop and pest management and procuring kapas at village and market yards.

During 2003-2004, world cotton production is likely to increase by about 1.35 million tonnes to 20.49 million tonnes. However, consumption is expected to touch a record level of 21.23 million tonnes. This may reflect in firm prices in the international market.

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