Despite a reduction in acreage, India's cotton production for the 2024-25 cropping season is expected to remain constant at last year’s levels as timely rainfall and lower pest pressure will compensate for the decrease in the area under cultivation.
Data from the Agriculture Ministry also shows, India’s cotton production improved to 325.22 lakh bales, each weighing 170 kg in 2023-24. Pest attacks were less severe this season, with pink bollworm (PBW) and sucking pests being significantly reduced. The use of hybrid cotton varieties resistant to sucking pests also aids in pest management, though PBW remains a potential concern in northern regions.
On the other hand, India cotton acreage decreased by 11 lakh hectares (lh) to 112.76 lakh hectaresfrom the previous year’s 123.71 lakh hectare.However, YG Prasad, Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Cotton Research, notes, the crop is in better condition than last year and continues to improve. Higher yields will lead to a production level comparable to the previous year, he anticipates.
Bhagirath Chaudhary, Director, South Asia Biotech Centre, highlights, reduced PBW infestation in the North has led to improved cottonseed quality with infestation in the Central and South regions coming under control. However, the issue of root rot requires immediate attention, he says, adding, the 2024 Kharif season would hopefully to reverse the losses experienced in recent years.
Anand Poppat, a broker from Gujarat, estimates, this year crop size could reach 361 lakh bales due to increased yields. Pradeep Jain, President, Khandesh Gin Press Factory Owners and Traders Development Association, Jalgaon, adds, crop conditions in the Khandesh region are excellent with better quality and yields this year.
Overall crop health remains promising across key cotton-producing states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. However, with the crop delayed by a month in some regions, final predictions on the total output are still premature.
