The Cotton Association of India (CAI) expects the crop output in 2014-15 season to be 403.75 lakh bales of 170 kg each.

The CAI’s projected balance sheet for 2014-15 season, beginning October 1, estimated total cotton supply of 468.50 lakh bales, while domestic consumption is estimated at 300 lakh bales thus leaving an available a surplus of 168.50 lakh bales.

In its August estimates, CAI has placed the cotton crop for 2013-14 season at 403.50 lakh bales while arrivals up to August 31, 2014 are placed at 402 lakh bales, a CAI statement said.

The acreage under cotton as reported by the Directorate of Cotton Development as of now is 123.71 lakh hectares. It is likely to be finally in the range of about 126-127 lakh hectares against the acreage of 117.27 lakh hectares under cotton during 2013-14, it said.