The Hindu Business Line : Cotton output seen at record 244 lakh bales

CAB's estimate of cotton crop at 244 lakh bales (of 170 kgs) for the current season 2005-2006 (October-September) is higher than previous estimate of 242.50 lakh bales on December 7, 2005.

Output in North

For the current season 2005-06, the combined crop in the northern region (Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan) is estimated to be around 46 lakh bales. In the central region (Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh), total crop is estimated to be 143 lakh bales.

The total crop size in the southern region (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka) is estimated to be around 42 lakh bales for the previous season.

"For the first time, cotton crop, mills consumption and export are expected to reach record levels during the current season. Cotton crop is estimated at 244 lakh bales and mills consumption could cross 200-lakh bales mark," Mr J. N. Singh, Textile Commissioner, told reporters.

Crop estimates for 2005-06 were raised for Gujarat to 89 lakh bales (from the previous estimate of 80 lakh bales), Maharashtra to 36 lakh bales (46 lakh bales), Madhya Pradesh 18 lakh bales (15 lakh bales), Andhra Pradesh 30 lakh bales (30 lakh bales), Karnataka 6.50 lakh bales (7 lakh bales), Tamil Nadu 5.50 lakh bales (5.50 lakh bales), Punjab 21 lakh bales (21 lakh bales), Haryana 14 lakh bales (14 lakh bales), Rajasthan 11 lakh bales (11 lakh bales) and others one lakh bale (one lakh bale).

Good rainfall

"Crop size in Gujarat would increase significantly this season due to good rainfall and use of Bt cotton some extent," he said. The CAB put the total crop at 244 lakh bales (including loose lint of 12 lakh bales) as against the previous estimate of 242.50 lakh bales.

"Overall mill consumption in the organised sector is expected to increase by 10 per cent this season," Mr Singh said.

CAB's estimate for the season 2005-06 has opened with a carryover stock of 72 lakh bales.

With production at 244 lakh bales and imports estimated at 4 lakh bales, the total availability will be 320 lakh bales.

On the demand side, mill consumption is seen higher at 182 lakh bales (up from 163.98 lakh bales in the previous season), consumption by SSI units at 18 lakh bales, non-mill consumption at 15 lakh bales and exports at 33 lakh bales, bringing the total disappearance to 248 lakh bales.