The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has increased its cotton crop estimate for 2019-20 season beginning October 1, 2019, by 5.5 lakh bales to 335.50 lakh bales of 170 kg each, in its June estimate. For crop year 2018-19, CAI finalised total crop at 312 lakh bales. The Crop Committee of the association estimates total cotton supply up to September 30, 2020 to be 382.50 lakh bales, which consists of the opening stock of 32.00 lakh bales at the beginning of the cotton season on October 1, 2019, crop for the season estimated at 335.50 lakh bales, and imports estimated by the CAI at 15.00 lakh bales.

Imports are estimated to decline by 17.00 lakh bales compared to the previous year’s estimate of 32.00 lakh bales. Domestic consumption up to September 30, 2020 has been estimated at 280.00 lakh bales i.e. at the same level as estimated in the last month's estimate. The CAI has also retained its export estimate for the season at the same level as estimated in the previous month i.e. at 47 lakh bales against 42.00 lakh bales estimated earlier. The increase of 5.00 lakh bales in the export estimate than estimated in the previous year was made in view of the favorable conditions existing for exports of cotton from India.