Cotton sowing only in 45% area so far on less rains: CAI

Cotton sowing in the country has been completed in just 45 per cent of the total area till the first week of July following less-than-normal rainfall in major producing regions, according to the Cotton Association of India (CAI).

"Till July 7, cotton sowing was completed only in 45 per cent area, totalling to 56.57 lakh hectares, compared with 123.50 lakh hectares till July 7 last year," CAI president Atul Ganatra told PTI.

Sowing in major cotton producing states like Punjab was done in 2.85 lakh hectares, Haryana in 6.65 lakh hectares, Rajasthan in 5.61 lakh hectares, Gujarat in 4.93 lakh hectares, Maharashtra in 19.57 lakh hectares, Madhya Pradesh in 4.87 lakh hectares, Telegana in 8.80 lakh hectares, among others.

Earlier in the month, the CAI in its June estimate had projected cotton crop production for the 2017-18 season (October-September) at 365 lakh bales.

The total supply was estimated at 394.45 lakh bales, which includes arrivals of 348.45 lakh bales up to June 30, imports the committee has estimated at 10 lakh bales and the opening stock at the beginning of the season, which has been revised from 30 lakh bales to 36 lakh bales.

Domestic consumption for the season was estimated at 324 lakh bales, while the exports are estimated to be at 70 lakh bales.