Recent News

Cotton MSP Climbs 36% While Urea Remains at ₹242: Are Farmers Finally Gaining?New Delhi: India's cotton farmers have benefited from a sharp increase in government support prices over the past five years, while the official price of urea has remained unchanged due to continued subsidy support. The development has renewed debate over whether rising Minimum Support Prices (MSP) are translating into higher farm incomes.According to official government figures, the MSP for Long Staple Cotton has increased from ₹6,380 per quintal in 2022-23 to ₹8,667 per quintal for the 2026-27 season. This represents an increase of ₹2,287 per quintal, or nearly 36 percent in five years. The latest hike of ₹557 per quintal for 2026-27 is among the highest absolute increases announced for major kharif crops.The MSP has risen steadily from ₹6,380 in 2022-23 to ₹7,020 in 2023-24, ₹7,521 in 2024-25, ₹8,110 in 2025-26 and ₹8,667 in 2026-27. For a farmer producing 20 quintals of cotton, the MSP-linked value of the crop has increased from ₹1.27 lakh to ₹1.73 lakh, resulting in a potential gain of more than ₹45,000.In contrast, the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of a 45-kg bag of neem-coated urea continues to remain at ₹242. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has clarified that there is currently no proposal to increase urea prices, with the government continuing subsidy support to keep the fertilizer affordable for farmers.The comparison highlights a significant trend: while the MSP of Long Staple Cotton has increased by nearly 36 percent since 2022-23, the official price of urea has remained unchanged. This has improved the relationship between cotton prices and one of the most widely used farm inputs.However, agricultural experts caution that MSP and fertilizer prices alone do not determine profitability. Farmers continue to face higher expenses on labour, pesticides, diesel, irrigation and machinery. Rising cultivation costs have absorbed part of the gains generated by higher MSPs, meaning actual income growth is lower than MSP growth.Even so, the government's twin strategy of increasing MSPs while maintaining fertilizer subsidies has provided stronger income protection for cotton growers. With cotton receiving one of the largest MSP increases among kharif crops and urea prices remaining stable, farmers are generally in a better position than they were five years ago.The challenge ahead, experts say, is ensuring that higher support prices are accompanied by better productivity, efficient procurement and lower cultivation costs so that a larger share of the benefits ultimately reaches farmers' pockets.read more :- Gujarat Cotton Sowing Surges by 78,000 Hectares in One Week

Cotton Sowing Gains Momentum in Gujarat; Increase of Over 78,000 Hectares in a WeekAhmedabad, June 08, 2026: Cotton sowing operations are progressing rapidly in Gujarat. According to weekly sowing data released by the Gujarat Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare, and Cooperation, a significant increase in the cotton sowing area has been recorded in the state between June 1 and June 8.The data indicates that the total cotton sowing area in the state stood at 14,996 hectares on June 1 and rose to 93,449 hectares by June 8. Thus, an additional 78,453 hectares of sowing was recorded within a single week.The Saurashtra region continues to lead in cotton sowing. Here, the sown area increased from 12,500 hectares to 60,700 hectares. Surendranagar (18,900 hectares), Morbi (16,800 hectares), Amreli (7,500 hectares), Bhavnagar (6,500 hectares), and Botad (6,100 hectares) were the key districts for sowing.Farmers in Kutch district have also actively engaged in cotton sowing; the sown area in the district rose from 1,900 hectares to 10,300 hectares. Meanwhile, in North Gujarat, cotton sowing increased from 500 hectares to 14,800 hectares, with Mehsana, Patan, and Sabarkantha being the major contributors.In Central Gujarat, sowing increased from 100 hectares to 4,700 hectares, while in South Gujarat, cotton has been sown across 3,100 hectares. Bharuch and Tapi districts were prominent in this region.Experts believe that the progress of the monsoon and favorable weather conditions have prompted farmers to accelerate cotton sowing. The cotton sowing acreage in the state is likely to increase further if good rainfall occurs in the coming days. Source: Gujarat Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation DepartmentREAD MORE :- 60% Cotton Sowing Completed in Pachora Despite 43°C Heat

On Tuesday the Indian Rupee higher by 13 paise to close at 95.35 against the US dollar, after opening at 95.48 in morning trade.At close, the Sensex was up 394.50 points or 0.54 percent at 73,918.76, and the Nifty was up 119.10 points or 0.52 percent at 23,242.10. About 2694 shares advanced, 1343 shares declined, and 175 shares unchanged.

Cotton Sowing Completed in 60% of Pachora Area Amidst Scorching 43°C HeatPachora Taluka in Jalgaon district is renowned for cotton production; however, in recent years, farmers have grappled with issues such as 'red disease' (reddening of leaves), bollworm infestations, erratic rainfall, and low crop prices. This year too, the Meteorological Department and agricultural experts have predicted deficient rainfall due to the 'El Niño' effect. Despite this, farmers have taken the risk and commenced cotton sowing ahead of schedule.The Agriculture Department had advised farmers to sow cotton only after June 15, given the prevailing extreme heat and dry winds in the region. Currently, the ambient temperature hovers around 40°C, while soil temperatures exceeding 43°C are being recorded. Such conditions can adversely affect seed germination and increase the likelihood of issues like 'red disease' in the plants later on.Nevertheless, approximately 60 percent of farmers in Pachora Taluka have completed pre-season sowing. Believing that a delay could impact both yield and income, they have initiated farming operations based on available irrigation facilities. Farmers with access to well water began sowing seeds as early as May 20.Pachora Taluka has a total geographical area of 82,507 hectares, of which 58,202 hectares is cultivable land. Plans are in place to cultivate cotton across approximately 42,950 hectares this year.Meanwhile, due to recurring losses, farmers are also showing an increasing inclination towards maize cultivation. Last year, maize was sown across 9,822 hectares; this figure has risen to 11,220 hectares this year. Farmers are now pinning their hopes on the monsoon, as timely and adequate rainfall will determine the success of this high-risk farming venture.  READ MORE :- Kisan Sabha Flags Decline in Haryana Cotton Acreage, Criticises Govt Policies

Kisan Sabha Concerned Over Shrinking Cotton Acreage in Haryana; Questions Central Government PoliciesThe Haryana unit of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has expressed serious concern over the continuously declining acreage of cotton cultivation in the state. The organization states that this drop in cotton production could have a far-reaching impact on farmers' incomes, the rural economy, and the country's cotton sector. This issue was discussed in detail during a meeting of the AIKS state-level committee held in Rohtak on Monday.It was noted during the meeting that the area under cotton cultivation is steadily shrinking in Haryana's major cotton-producing districts—Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Rewari, and Mahendragarh. Blaming the central government's policies for this trend, Kisan Sabha leaders stated that farmers are moving away from cotton cultivation because they are not receiving remunerative prices or adequate protection.The meeting was presided over by AIKS State President Master Balbir Singh. Criticizing the central government's decision to remove the 11 percent import duty on cotton, he argued that this would increase pressure from cheap imported cotton and cause losses to domestic producers. According to him, this decision could further weaken the position of cotton farmers who are already grappling with economic challenges.Highlighting the struggle of farmers in Bhiwani and Dadri, AIKS National Vice President Inderjit Singh noted that farmers had agitated for nearly ten months to secure insurance claims for Kharif crops damaged in 2023. Following sustained pressure, the government approved compensation of ₹375 crore for crop loss, yet several issues regarding its disbursement persist. He demanded that the approved compensation amount be transferred to the farmers' accounts without delay.Dissatisfaction was also expressed regarding the recently announced Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Kharif crops. Farmer leaders argued that the hike in MSP is insufficient given the rising costs of cultivation and is unlikely to provide the expected relief to farmers.  READ MORE :- Trump Says Israel and Iran Seek Immediate Ceasefire, Peace Talks Underway

US President Donald Trump Says Israel and Iran Seeking Immediate Ceasefire; Peace Negotiations OngoingUS President Donald Trump on June 8 (IST) said that Israel and Iran are seeking an immediate ceasefire, adding that final negotiations aimed at reaching a broader peace agreement are currently underway.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that both countries are looking to halt hostilities and move toward a negotiated settlement. He noted, however, that existing restrictions would remain in place until a comprehensive agreement is finalised.“Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding,” Trump wrote. He also cautioned that progress should not be hindered by “ignorance or stupidity.”Trump further said that the blockade would remain “in full force and effect” until a “Final Deal” is reached, indicating that current measures would stay in place pending the successful conclusion of peace talks.

$40 Million Investment in Odisha's Textile Sector; 12,500 Jobs ExpectedOdisha has recently secured new investments worth US$40 million (over ₹300 crore) in the textile and apparel sector. These projects are expected to generate approximately 12,500 new jobs in the state, positioning the sector as a major source of employment.The largest employment-generating project is an apparel manufacturing unit by Nandraj Textiles Private Limited in Khurda district. The company will invest ₹168.64 crore (approximately $17.70 million) in this project, which is expected to provide employment to 10,306 people. This is considered one of the state's most significant job-creating investments in recent years.Additionally, Shahi Exports Private Limited has received approval to set up a knitted garment manufacturing unit in Sambalpur with an investment of ₹145.5 crore ($15.27 million). This project is likely to create around 1,840 jobs and strengthen the state's apparel manufacturing ecosystem.Maa Taratarini Textile Park Private Limited will develop an integrated textile project in Ganjam district with an investment of ₹70 crore ($7.34 million), creating approximately 350 jobs.All these projects have been approved by the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA). The government aims to spread industrial development across various districts of the state rather than limiting it to a few select areas.Apart from Khurda, investment proposals have also been approved for districts such as Koraput, Sambalpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Dhenkanal, Balangir, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj, fostering balanced industrial growth and job creation across Odisha.READ MORE :- Karur Textile Industry Hit by Cotton Yarn Price Surge

Karur’s Textile Industry Under Pressure Due to Surge in Cotton Yarn PricesKarur: A sharp rise in cotton yarn prices—driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and disruptions in global supply chains—has placed the textile industry in Karur, a major textile hub in Tamil Nadu, under significant pressure. Industry representatives state that rising raw material costs are impacting both production and export activities.According to industry sources, textile manufacturers in Karur rely primarily on spinning mills in Coimbatore, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, and Vellakoil for their yarn requirements. Over the past six weeks, an imbalance between supply and demand has caused the price of coarse-count cotton yarn to surge by 30 to 40 percent. Prices for high-count yarn have risen from approximately ₹300 per kilogram to ₹400 per kilogram—an increase the industry considers extraordinary.Although the central government granted relief on cotton import duties in response to demands from the textile industry, traders in Karur argue that the benefits have primarily accrued to garment manufacturers in Tiruppur. While prices for yarn used in the garment sector have dropped by 3 to 4 percent, there has been no significant impact on the prices of the coarse yarn used in Karur.P. Gopalakrishnan, President of the Karur Textile Manufacturers and Exporters Association, stated that the current surge in cotton yarn prices is unprecedented and has severely impacted the industry's cost structure. He emphasized that price stability is essential for the smooth operation of the industry.Industry bodies have urged both the central and state governments to intervene. According to traders, escalating tensions between the US and Iran have affected global trade and shipping, leading to price hikes for essential items such as polyester, dyeing chemicals, polyethylene, and packaging materials. Exporters believe that if this situation persists, it could have a negative impact on the competitiveness, export growth, and employment opportunities of Karur's textile industry.read more :- Rupee Opens 23 Paise Stronger at 95.48 Against Dollar

The rupee opened 23 paise stronger at 95.48 against the USD.On Tuesday, the Indian rupee opened 23 paise stronger against the dollar at 95.48, whereas it had closed at 95.71 on Monday. READ MORE :- The rupee ended 40 paise lower at 95.71 against the dollar.

On Monday the Indian Rupee lower by 40 paise to close at 95.71 against the US dollar, after opening at 95.31 in morning trade.At close, the Sensex was down 719.08 points or 0.97 percent at 73,524.26, and the Nifty was down 243.70 points or 1.04 percent at 23,123.00. About 1172 shares advanced, 3007 shares declined, and 154 shares unchanged.read more :- Cotton Duty Waiver Boosts Gujarat Textile Sector

Relief for Gujarat's Textile Sector from Cotton Import Duty WaiverAhmedabad: Gujarat's textile industry has welcomed the Central Government's decision to suspend the 11% import duty on cotton until October 30. Industry stakeholders believe this move will reduce raw material costs and enhance the competitiveness of Indian textile products in the global market.In recent months, domestic cotton prices had surged to ₹68,500 per candy, driving up costs for spinning mills, fabric manufacturers, and garment exporters. The industry states that the duty waiver will improve cotton availability and help keep prices in check.Chintan Thaker, Chairman of the ASSOCHAM Gujarat State Council, noted that imports are primarily limited to Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton, which is not a substitute for Indian cotton. According to him, this decision will help reduce production costs for textile manufacturers and exporters. Furthermore, the availability of superior quality fiber will improve product quality and make it easier to meet the requirements of global brands.Rahul Shah, Co-Chairman of the Textile Committee at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), stated that raw cotton prices have dropped by approximately ₹4,000 per candy following the announcement of the duty waiver. This will lower input costs for mills and improve operating margins, particularly for export-oriented companies.Jayesh Patel, Senior Vice President of the Spinners Association Gujarat (SAG), mentioned that while Indian spinning mills are receiving strong export orders from China and Bangladesh, high domestic cotton prices had posed a challenge. He believes the import duty waiver will ease pressure on cotton and yarn prices, enabling the Indian textile industry to become more competitive globally.read more :- Maharashtra Cotton Acreage Set to Rise