The Cotton Association of India (CAI) expects the fibre’s output for the next season beginning October to be at 380 lakh bales (lb), almost similar level to 382.75 lb achieved this year.

Though the turbulence faced by farmers is expected to keep the area lower during the next season, the yield is likely to increase, said the Association in its first estimate for the next season.

Acreage under cotton during the ensuing 2015-16 cotton season is going to be less than that of the current crop year, it said.

However, the association said, the yield may go up due to timely rainfall in the cotton growing areas. Therefore, the crop for the next cotton season is expected to match previous year’s figures.

Total cotton supply in the next season is estimated at 470.65 lb while the domestic consumption is pegged at 325 lb, leaving a surplus of 145.65 lb for exports. In 2015-16 season, the output in the northern region including Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan is expected to be up a tad at 55.50 lb against 53.50 lb to be produced this year.

The dry weather in parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra may pull down output in Central zone to 203 lb (204.50), though output in Madhya Pradesh may go up to 19 lb (18 lb).

Output in southern region including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu may register a fall at 115.50 lb (118.75 lb).

Mill consumption is estimated to be higher at 285 lb (278 lb) with demand from small scale units and non-mills also supporting the bullish trend in consumption.

Global cotton output is estimated to decline by nine per cent in crop year 2015-16 on diversion of acreage to other remunerative crops.

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