India is facing deficient rainfall in major cotton growing areas. While the middle, northern and eastern parts of India received above normal rainfall, the western and southern parts remained deficient. So, farmers are fearing a decline in yield. They had achieved record productivity and got better prices last year despite lower acreage. Encouraged by last year’s realisation, farmers have slowed down the speed of cotton sowing after over 50 per cent increase in acreage early this season.

The crop is projected to get delayed by at least a month and the yield prospect has got affected due to a delay in sowing. A delay in upcoming crop may prompt immediate bargains. The demand for cotton has been good. Therefore, cotton prices may rise further and may sustain the prevailing range of Rs 42,500 to Rs 44,500 a ton.

Farmers have increased sowing of cotton. During most of last year, cotton prices remained above the minimum support price. Prompted by last year's realization, farmers have increased their cotton sowing area by a staggering 45 per cent so far this season. There may be re-sowing of cotton seeds in the areas where rainfalls remained have deficient so far this season and crops damaged thereupon.