The Cotton Association of India has estimated the crop for 2012-13 season ending September at 352 lakh bales (of 170 kg each). The projected balance sheet has put the total supply at 420.21 lakh bales and domestic consumption at 278 lakh bales, leaving a surplus of 142.21 lakh bales. Cotton arrivals as on April 30 have been projected at 321.50 lakh bales. Commenting on a State-wise cotton crop, CAI said that Gujarat is estimated to have produced 85 lakh bales compared with 114 lakh bales in 2011-12. Output in Andhra Pradesh is up at 74 lakh bales (58 lakh bales) and Maharashtra's down at 71.50 lakh bales (72 lakh bales). The association urged the Government to fix the minimum support price for the fibre at the earliest.

Published on May 14, 2013