Recent News

The rupee fell by 3 paise to close at 96.44 against the US dollar.On Monday, the Indian rupee opened at 96.41 against the US dollar and closed at 96.44, recording a decline of 3 paise during the trading session.At the close, the Sensex fell by 442.93 points (0.57%) to 77,708.52, and the Nifty dropped by 95.80 points (0.39%) to 24,238.50.READ MORE :- Rupee Opens 13 Paise Lower at 96.41 Against US Dollar

Rupee Opens 13 Paise lower at 96.41On Monday, the Indian rupee opened 13 paise lower against the dollar at 96.41, whereas it had closed at 96.28 on Friday.The BSE Sensex, which closed at 78,151.45 on Friday, opened flat at 78,151.45 and was trading at 77,694.13, down by 457.32 points or 0.59 percent. The NSE Nifty50, which closed at 24,334.30 in the previous session, opened at 24,190.05 and was trading at 24,227.90, down by 106.40 points or 0.44 percent.READ MORE :- Karnataka Monsoon Deficit Threatens Kharif Crops, Food Security

The Challenge of Shielding Karnataka's Agriculture from Monsoon UncertaintyA severe monsoon deficit has created a crisis for farmers in Karnataka, the impact of which could be felt at the national level. By the first week of July, the sowing of Kharif crops had reached only one third of the targeted area. During this agricultural season spanning June to October farmers typically cultivate cereals like paddy, maize, ragi, jowar, and bajra; pulses such as tur (pigeon pea); oilseeds like groundnut, sunflower, soybean, and niger seed; and cash crops such as cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, and red chili.Production of these crops relies heavily on the monsoon. After Rajasthan, Karnataka has the country's largest dryland farming area, with approximately 8.479 million hectares of agricultural land dependent on rainfall. Consequently, any shortfall in rain directly impacts agricultural output. This year, a significant rainfall deficit has been recorded due to the El Niño effect. Rainfall deficits of 34 percent, 30 percent, 24 percent, and 18 percent have been recorded in the Malnad region, coastal Karnataka, North Interior Karnataka, and South Interior Karnataka, respectively.The impact of this crisis will not be limited to Karnataka alone. The state is a major producer of coarse cereals and accounts for the largest area under tur pulse cultivation in the country. Therefore, a sharp decline in Karnataka's agricultural output could affect food grain supplies and prices nationwide.Alongside this natural crisis, a humanitarian challenge is also mounting. The livelihoods of approximately 13.7 million people in Karnataka roughly one in every five residents depend on agriculture. Amidst these circumstances, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess the situation and dispatch a central team to facilitate relief measures.While assistance from the central government is essential, Karnataka must also draw a long term lesson from this crisis. The state's agriculture has long remained vulnerable to the vagaries of the monsoon. It is now imperative for the government to prioritize water security in the agricultural sector rather than focusing solely on urban development projects, particularly those in major cities.This requires expanding irrigation facilities, strengthening water conservation measures, promoting drought resistant crops, extending canal networks, improving groundwater recharge, and making widespread use of modern micro irrigation techniques. The goal should not merely be to address the current crisis but to establish an agricultural system that offers farmers long term protection against the uncertainties of the monsoon.Shielding agriculture from the vagaries of nature is not just a necessity for Karnataka; it is essential for the food security and rural economy of the entire nation. READ MORE :- India's Cotton Acreage Falls Nearly 15% as Sowing Slows in Gujarat, Maharashtra

India's cotton acreage drops by nearly 15% due to slow sowing in Gujarat and MaharashtraCotton sowing in India during the initial phase of the 2026 Kharif season is lagging significantly behind last year's figures. The pace of sowing in major cotton-producing states has been affected by a delayed monsoon and regional weather conditions. As of July 10, 2026, cotton sowing was recorded across 79.55 lakh hectares nationwide, compared to 93.95 lakh hectares during the same period last year. Consequently, the cotton acreage has declined by 14.41 lakh hectares, or approximately 15.3%.The sharpest declines in sowing have been observed in key cotton-producing states like Gujarat and Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, cotton has been sown across 30.07 lakh hectares so far this season, a decrease of 5.39 lakh hectares from the previous year's 35.46 lakh hectares. Sowing activities by farmers in major cotton-growing regions such as Vidarbha and Marathwada have been hampered by delayed rainfall.The decline was even more pronounced in Gujarat. The state's cotton acreage fell from 17.11 lakh hectares last year to 9.32 lakh hectares, marking a reduction of 7.79 lakh hectares. Together, Gujarat and Maharashtra account for a reduction of approximately 13.2 lakh hectares in the country's total cotton acreage.In contrast, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have witnessed an improvement in cotton sowing. Telangana's cotton acreage has risen by 1.96 lakh hectares to reach 15.96 lakh hectares compared to last year. Good rainfall and the timely commencement of agricultural operations have accelerated sowing in the state. Andhra Pradesh has also seen its cotton acreage increase by 0.78 lakh hectares, reaching 2.40 lakh hectares.Sowing in other major cotton-producing states remains below last year's levels. A decline in acreage has been recorded: 1.28 lakh hectares in Rajasthan, 0.90 lakh hectares in Haryana, 0.66 lakh hectares in Odisha, 0.59 lakh hectares in Karnataka, and 0.43 lakh hectares in Punjab. Cotton acreage remained largely stable in Madhya Pradesh, while Tamil Nadu also saw no significant change compared to the previous year.The national target for cotton acreage for the 2026 Kharif season has been set at 116.12 lakh hectares; however, sowing had covered only 79.55 lakh hectares by July 10. Since cotton sowing continues through July and into early August, there remains a possibility of an increase in acreage in the coming weeks, aided by a favorable monsoon.If the shortfall in sowing persists, the availability of raw cotton in the upcoming marketing season could be affected. This could impact the domestic textile industry, cotton exports, and fiber prices. As global cotton markets remain sensitive to weather-related supply risks, the market will closely monitor India's production situation.READ MORE :- Gujarat–Maharashtra Farmers Fear Cotton Crop Damage Amid Delayed Rain

Gujarat–Maharashtra: Delayed Rain Threatens Cotton Crop; Farmers Face Risk of Re-sowingCotton farmers in the Segva-Simli village of Bodeli Taluka (Chhota Udepur district, Gujarat) and Shevgaon Taluka (Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra) are increasingly concerned due to the lack of timely rainfall. Farmers had completed sowing after the initial rains, and the plants had already sprouted. However, the absence of rain over the past several days has led to a depletion of soil moisture, raising fears that crop growth will be stunted.Cotton is a major Kharif crop in both regions, supporting a large number of farmers. They have invested significant amounts in seeds, fertilizers, labor, and land preparation. While they had anticipated the monsoon would progress on schedule, the current dry spell has heightened their anxiety. Prolonged dry weather is slowing the growth of cotton plants in many fields, with some plants even showing signs of wilting and drying up.In Maharashtra's Shevgaon Taluka, the lack of rain for the past 15 days has raised fears of having to re-sow the crop. Farmer Yalappa Kusalkar stated that he had invested heavily in cultivating cotton on three acres, but the crop is suffering due to the lack of rain. He noted that if it does not rain soon, farmers will face the additional burden of purchasing seeds and other agricultural inputs all over again.Farmers in Gujarat's Segva-Simli and surrounding areas emphasize that adequate soil moisture is crucial for the early stages of cotton growth. Further delays in rainfall could halt plant development and necessitate re-sowing in some fields. This would not only increase costs for farmers but could also adversely affect overall production.Agricultural experts have advised farmers to monitor their fields regularly and adjust their farming practices according to weather conditions. They suggest that if sufficient rainfall occurs soon, the cotton crop can still be saved from damage. However, a prolonged delay in rainfall could increase the likelihood of reduced production and financial losses.Currently, cotton farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra are awaiting good monsoon rains so that their crops can receive the necessary moisture and their hard work can yield successful results.

Maharashtra: Digras Spinning Mill Ships First Cotton Yarn to China; Vidarbha’s Cotton Industry Gains Global RecognitionThe 'Ramdas Athawale Backward Class Cotton Growers Cooperative Spinning Mill' in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region has entered the international market by making its first export of cotton yarn to China. The first container was dispatched via sea route after the high-quality yarn produced at this Digras-based cooperative spinning mill gained acceptance in the Chinese market. This is being hailed as a significant milestone for Vidarbha's cotton processing industry and local farmers.Registered in 2019, the cooperative spinning mill commenced commercial production in 2025. In a short span, it has established itself among the state's leading cooperative spinning mills through the production of high-quality yarn. The organization claims to be the first among cooperative spinning mills registered in the last decade to successfully launch production and mark its presence in the market.Prior to the export, a team of Chinese experts conducted detailed technical tests on the yarn produced at the mill. Approval for export to the Chinese market was granted only after the product met all international standards. Mill Founder-Chairman Milind Mankar stated that the yarn produced in Digras is now attracting demand from other countries as well, indicating a potential increase in exports in the future.According to Mill Chairman Mahendra Mankar, the production of international-quality yarn is made possible by modern automated machinery, an experienced technical team, efficient management, and the hard work of the staff. He noted that the project was successfully completed and production launched despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.The project was realized with the support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, and Guardian Minister Sanjay Rathod. A formal *puja* (ceremony) was held at the mill premises before dispatching the first export container, attended by the board of directors, officials, and staff.The mill has produced approximately 5,500 tonnes of cotton yarn over the past 18 months. It has an approved capacity of 25,000 spindles, of which 16,500 are currently operational. The mill is producing 10 to 12 tonnes of yarn daily. The management believes that this initial export to China will pave the way for access to new international markets in the future, yielding long-term benefits for both the cotton-growing farmers of Vidarbha and the region's textile industry.READ MORE :- CCI Raises Cotton Candy Prices by ₹800, Weekly Auctions Reach 3.18 Lakh Bales

CCI Increases Cotton Candy Prices by ₹800 as Weekly Auctions Touch 3.18 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) increased its cotton selling prices by ₹800 per candy during the week ended July 17, 2026. Strong participation from textile mills and cotton traders was witnessed in the auctions, resulting in total weekly sales of about 3,18,000 bales from the 2025–26 crop season.Day-wise Auction PerformanceJuly 13, 2026 (Monday):The week began on a strong note, with the highest auction sales of 1,31,100 bales. Mills purchased 48,500 bales, while traders lifted 82,600 bales.July 14, 2026 (Tuesday):CCI auction sales stood at 1,13,600 bales. Mills purchased 44,200 bales, while traders lifted 69,400 bales.July 15, 2026 (Wednesday):Auction activity moderated, with total sales of 29,100 bales. Mills bought 15,600 bales, while traders purchased 13,500 bales.July 16, 2026 (Thursday):CCI recorded total sales of 40,700 bales during the day. Mills purchased 6,100 bales, while traders lifted 34,600 bales.July 17, 2026 (Friday):The week ended with the sales of 3,500 bales. Mills purchased 1,500 bales, while traders bought 2,000 bales.Cumulative Sales UpdateWith the latest auctions, CCI's cumulative cotton sales for the 2025–26 season have reached 85,04,800 bales.READ MORE :- Global Cotton Rally May Face Brazil Supply Test as Production Expansion Looms

Global Cotton Rally May Face Brazil Test as Higher Prices Spur Production ExpansionGlobal cotton prices are recovering after two years of weak returns as synchronized production declines across major exporting countries tighten supplies and improving import demand supports market sentiment. While the outlook remains constructive for the second half of 2026, analysts say the next supply cycle particularly in Brazil could determine whether the rally is sustained.Raphael Bulascoschi, Market Intelligence Analyst at StoneX Brazil, said the current market is benefiting from reduced output across key exporters, but warned that attention is already shifting toward the 2027 crop cycle. "The base case is constructive for the second half of 2026," he said, adding that questions remain over the long-term sustainability of higher prices.Brazil, the world's largest cotton exporter, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future supply. According to Bulascoschi, improved profitability is making cotton a more attractive option than second-crop corn, encouraging farmers to expand planted acreage if current price incentives persist. Higher Brazilian production could gradually offset today's tightening global supplies and reshape market dynamics.As traders increasingly focus on Southern Hemisphere planting decisions rather than current inventories, Brazil's production response is emerging as one of the key variables for the global cotton market. A strong expansion in acreage could ease supply concerns during 2027, while limited growth would keep the market supported for longer.READ MORE :- Rupee higher 01 Paise, Closes at 96.28 Against US Dollar

On Friday, the Indian rupee opened at 96.29 against the US dollar and closed at 96.28, marking a higher of 01 paise for the trading session.At close, the Sensex was up 964.58 points or 1.25 percent at 78,151.45, and the Nifty was up 261.55 points or 1.09 percent at 24,334.30. About 1632 shares advanced, 2419 shares declined, and 175 shares unchanged.read more :- ICAR-SBI to Commercialize New Gene Targeting Pink Bollworm in Cotton by 2030

ICAR-SBI Prepares to Commercialize New Gene Targeting Pink BollwormThe Coimbatore-based ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI) has taken a significant step towards commercializing a newly discovered crystal toxin gene that is effective against the pink bollworm. The institute is working on a plan to develop transgenic cotton hybrids and make commercial seeds available to farmers by 2030 under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.The pink bollworm has emerged as one of the biggest challenges for Bollgard II cotton cultivation in India. To address this and to boost cotton production while halting the decline in cultivation acreage, scientists at ICAR-SBI have successfully isolated a new crystal toxin gene from *Bacillus thuringiensis* after more than 15 years of research.Institute Director P. Govindaraj stated that one of the newly discovered genes has proven effective even against pink bollworm populations that have developed resistance to the Bollgard II technology. He noted that this discovery could play a crucial role in developing more sustainable and pest-resistant cotton varieties in the future.B. Singaravelu, a principal scientist at the institute, said that a partnership with the private sector would be established to advance this high-value technology and rapidly bring the research findings to farmers.In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between ICAR-SBI and Rasi Seeds in New Delhi in the presence of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development. The partnership aims to develop transgenic cotton hybrids based on this new technology and make them available on a commercial scale.READ MORE :-India May Become Major US Cotton Importer in 2026 Amid Rising Demand

India Could Become a Key Buyer of US Cotton This YearThe US expects India to emerge as a major importer of its cotton by 2026. Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council of America, stated that India is currently vying for the position of the fourth-largest market for US cotton. He believes that import demand could rise further due to a shrinking cotton cultivation area in India and uncertainties surrounding the monsoon.In its latest report, Cotton: World Markets and Trade, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has raised its forecast for India's cotton imports for the 2025-26 season to 5.69 million bales, up from the previous estimate of 5.318 million bales. Meanwhile, the Cotton Association of India (CAI) has projected imports in the range of 6.0–6.5 million bales. The government's temporary removal of the 11 percent import duty on long-staple cotton is also expected to boost imports.Adams noted that Vietnam was the largest buyer of US cotton last year, while Bangladesh's textile industry continues to maintain strong demand. In contrast, demand for US cotton in China has remained weak due to US-China trade tensions.The USDA projects that global cotton consumption could rise by 1.5 to 2 percent in the 2026-27 season. However, rising energy and crude oil prices remain a concern for the industry. Higher oil prices have made synthetic fibers more expensive, thereby supporting demand for natural fibers, particularly cotton.Adams stated that the cost of cotton production in the US has risen by approximately 20 percent over the last two to three years due to increasing costs of fertilizers, fuel, chemicals, and labor. Additionally, drought conditions in the US Cotton Belt could impact production.He added that consumers are shifting back towards natural fibers due to growing awareness regarding microplastics. There is immense potential for cooperation between the US and India in the cotton and textile sectors, and trade between the two countries is expected to strengthen further in the coming years.READ MORE :- Rupee Opens 6 Paise Higher at 96.29