According to scientists of Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), India’s cotton output this year could be higher by 10 per cent than estimates on account of extended monsoon. The Nagpur-based institute is assessing the impact of the rains on the crop and preliminary reports are encouraging for cotton growers and the textile sector.
Rains in September and October have been good for the cotton crop. Since areas of all cotton growing states are receiving good rainfall of late, cotton output in the country is expected to go up by 10%; well above 340 lakh bales against the previous estimate of 310 lakh, observed Keshavraj Kranthi, director of the CICR.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have received good rainfall and extended monsoon this year. While most states received heavy rainfall till September-end, monsoon is still active in Maharashtra, especially in Vidarbha and Marathwada known for cotton cultivation.
On the flip side, Kranthi said excessive rains will affect pollination process and disrupt spraying of fertilisers and, in turn, cotton production. After a steady rise over the years cotton cultivation in the country declined by 8 per cent this year. According to Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), the acerage has come down to 118 lakh hectare this year from 128 lakh hectare in the last. Recession in the global cotton market has been cited as the prime reason for farmers shunning cash crop cultivation.
