Board raises cotton output estimate

The Cotton Advisory Board (CAB) has raised 2010-11 (October-September) production estimate to 32.9 million bales (1 bale=170 kg) from the 32.5 million bales forecast in August, says Anil Joshi, chairman, CAB and textile commissioner.

The extended monsoon helped recovery of withered crop in parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka, though initially it led to marginal damage, he said.

Cotton output for 2009-10 was estimated at 29.5 million bales. The total acreage for 2010-11 is now estimated at 11.055 million hectares, up from 11 million ha estimated in August and 10.310 million ha last year.

He said the board has also raised export estimates for 2010-11 to 5.5 million bales from 4.9 million bales estimated in August, in view of 5.5 million bales export quantity already approved by the government.

Joshi said the board has raised the total supply projection for 2010-11 to 37.450 million bales from 37.05 million bales estimated in August and total supply of 37.350 million bales last year. The total demand is now seen at 33 million bales for 2010-11.