Unfavorable weather conditions in the major producing regions led to China's annual cotton production declining by 6.1 per cent to 5.618 million tonne in 2023, shows data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
China’s total area under cotton cultivation declined by 7.1 per cent during the year to 2.7881 million hectare. Meanwhile, the national average output per hectare increased by 1.1 percent.
Wang Guirong, Official, NBS, says, unsatisfactory weather conditions such as lower temperatures and more rainfall in spring alongwith long-lasting heatweaves were the main reasons behind the decline in per hectare cotton production in China.
However, production in the Yangtze River basin increased per hectare due to a low foundation caused by persistent high temperatures and droughts last year.
The total area under cotton cultivation along the Yellow River also increased per hectare output due to improved management, adds Wang.