CAI trims cotton crop estimate for 2018-19 at 348 lakh bales

In its first cotton crop estimate, Cotton Association of India (CAI) has reduced the cotton crop size for 2018-19 at 348 lakh bales (each of 170kg) from 365 lakh bales in 2017-18. The reduction in crop estimate is mainly attributed to adverse impact of drought-like situation in key growing regions of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

At the end of Cotton India 2018 meet in Aurangabad on Saturday, the apex cotton trade body trimmed the crop size at 348 lakh bales for 2018-19, amid fears of an impact of yield.

As per the CAI estimates cotton crop in the largest grower - Gujarat is set to decline by about 15 lakh bales from 105 lakh bales last year to about 90 lakh bales projected for 2018-19. The State faces overall rainfall deficit of about 23 per cent till October 5. Also, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are projected to have lower crop too.

Atul Ganatra, President, CAI noted that despite almost similar cotton sowing as that of last year, cotton crop this year may be lower due to deficient rains in cotton growing States. As per the Central government data, Cotton sowing was reported at 120-64 lakh hectares for 2018-19 as against 121.72 lakh hectares in 2017-18.

Scanty rains affects yield

"It is feared that yields will get hampered due to scanty rains. This is a first crop estimate for the year and we will come out with updated estimate with cotton balance-sheet in the first week of November. We are still hoping for some rains in Gujarat and Maharashtra, which has a bearing on the cotton crop," said Ganatra. However in absence of water the crop condition may deteriorate further and the output may get affected.

However, the crop in North Zone is estimated to increase from 56 lakh bales to 58 lakh bales with Punjab (10 lakh bales), Haryana (24 lakh bales) and Rajasthan (24 lakh bales) showing signs of better crop conditions.

Meanwhile, in the South Zone, Telangana estimated to have cotton crop of 51 lakh bales almost at last year's level, while Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to have lower crop this year at 16 lakh bales and 18 lakh bales respectively. The current crop estimate is likely to have 2-5 per cent variation due to rain possibilities during October-November.

Pest menace

In his address, Bhupendrasingh Rajpal, vice president of CAI and President of Maharashtra Cotton Association noted that pink-bollworm menace is not likely to cause major damage to the crop this year. "This is for the first time, a Cotton meet is taking place in the cotton heartland of Marathwada with such huge participation. This year, the pink bollworm infestations is much less as compared to last year. This will help the crop with better quality. The awareness campaigns by Association, government and research scientists have been successful to contain the pest menace," he said.

Cott-ally mobile app

During the event, P Alli Rani, chairman and MD, Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) introduced the 'Cott-ally' mobile app for cotton stakeholders and farmers. Farmers and traders can make representations, provide feedback and take CCI guidance about the cotton crop through the help of this mobile App.

Noted farmer leader and chairman of Maharashtra State Agriculture Price Commission, Pasha Patel appealed to the cotton buyers to support farmers in their effort to innovate in farming practices. A group of farmers from Maharashtra have experimented one-quality one-cotton crop on 300 hectares of land.

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