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The Indian rupee strengthened by 18 paise against the US dollar on Tuesday to close at 96.23.On Tuesday, the Indian rupee opened at 96.41 against the US dollar and closed at 96.23, recording a decline of 18 paise during the trading session.Indian equity markets closed lower on Tuesday. The Sensex declined 238.41 points, or 0.31 percent, to settle at 77,470.11, while the Nifty fell 50.80 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 24,187.70.Market breadth was mixed, with 2,087 shares advancing, 1,942 shares declining and 180 shares remaining unchanged.read more :- Maharashtra: Cotton Acreage in Ahilyanagar Crosses 1.33 Lakh Hectares

Maharashtra: Cotton acreage in Ahilyanagar crosses 1.33 lakh hectaresAhilyanagar, Maharashtra: Farmers in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district have prioritized cotton cultivation this year, despite a delayed monsoon and scanty rainfall in several areas. So far, cotton has been sown across an area of 1,33,010 hectares in the district. Taluka-wise data indicates that Shevgaon has recorded the highest cotton acreage, followed by Nevasa and Pathardi.The average area for Kharif crops in the district is 5,79,768 hectares. This year, the monsoon arrived with a delay of nearly a month, directly impacting Kharif sowing operations. Consequently, cotton sowing also lagged behind the scheduled timeline. Nevertheless, farmers have continued to include cotton among their key crops.According to Agriculture Department data, the sowing window for cotton has largely closed. As a result, the total cotton acreage in the district this year is expected to be lower than that of the previous year. No cotton sowing has taken place in Akole taluka so far. Meanwhile, cotton acreage remains relatively low in the Ahilyanagar, Jamkhed, Kopargaon, Parner, and Rahata talukas.Shevgaon taluka leads the district with 42,037 hectares under cotton cultivation. It is followed by Nevasa (29,383 hectares) and Pathardi (26,382 hectares). Cotton cultivation has also been recorded across 18,623 hectares in Rahuri.Many parts of the district are still awaiting adequate rainfall. Except for the western part of Akole taluka, a rainfall deficit persists in several areas. There are concerns that the cotton crop could be adversely affected by the lack of rain. Farmers are now pinning their hopes on future rainfall to improve the condition of the crop.Despite the delayed rains, cotton remains a preferred choice among farmers. However, a clear picture of the actual decrease or increase in cotton acreage compared to the previous year will emerge only after the final sowing figures are released.READ MORE :- Rajasthan Kharif Sowing Reaches 11,011 Thousand Hectares, 67% of Target Achieved

Kharif sowing in Rajasthan reaches 11,011.443 thousand hectares; 67% of target achievedKharif sowing in Rajasthan is progressing rapidly. According to the Agriculture Department's revised report dated July 17, 2026, total Kharif crop sowing in the state has covered an area of 11,011.443 thousand hectares. This represents 67 percent of the set target of 16,539 thousand hectares.As per the report, cereal crops have been sown across 4,425.537 thousand hectares, which is 75 percent of the target. Within this category, Pearl Millet (Bajra) has been sown over 2,882.775 thousand hectares. Additionally, Maize has been sown on 862.178 thousand hectares, Sorghum (Jowar) on 489.301 thousand hectares, and Paddy on 190.848 thousand hectares.Sowing of pulse crops has covered a total area of 2,662.720 thousand hectares, amounting to 64 percent of the target. This includes Green Gram (Moong) sown on 1,822.561 thousand hectares, Moth Bean on 473.481 thousand hectares, Black Gram (Urad) on 308.756 thousand hectares, Cowpea (Chawla) on 54.684 thousand hectares, and Pigeon Pea (Arhar) on 3.121 thousand hectares.Oilseed crops have been sown across a total area of 1,948.667 thousand hectares, representing 71 percent of the target. This includes Groundnut sown on 987.465 thousand hectares and Soybean on 854.558 thousand hectares.Among other crops, Cluster Bean (Guar) has been sown on 1,152.661 thousand hectares, which is 45 percent of the target. Meanwhile, Cotton has been sown on 526.307 thousand hectares, achieving 73 percent of the set target of 720 thousand hectares. Sugarcane has been sown across 4.625 thousand hectares.According to Agriculture Department data, sowing of several major Kharif crops in Rajasthan is ahead compared to last year. However, total sowing has currently reached 67 percent of the set target, and the acreage under Kharif crops is likely to increase further in the coming days.READ MORE :- India Targets Higher Cotton Production and Global Market Growth

India’s ‘White Gold’ – Cotton: Focus on Strengthening Production and Global Market PresenceNew Delhi: India is strengthening its position in the global cotton industry. According to a government factsheet released on Monday, India ranks first globally in terms of cotton cultivation area and second in both cotton production and consumption.Government data projects India's cotton production at 290.91 lakh bales for the 2025-26 period, with domestic consumption expected to reach approximately 328 lakh bales. India contributes about 19 percent to global fiber production.The government stated that recent initiatives in the cotton sector focus on enhancing productivity, quality, market access, and value addition. Farmers receive price support through the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism during periods of price decline. Furthermore, a target has been set to increase cotton production to 498 lakh bales by 2031 under the ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity.’According to the government, initiatives such as technology demonstrations, digital procurement, and traceability are improving cotton productivity and quality. These measures are expected to boost the competitiveness of Indian farmers and the industry in the global cotton market.Due to its economic significance, cotton is referred to as India’s ‘White Gold.’ The crop supports the livelihoods of approximately 60 lakh farmers. Cotton is cultivated across an area of about 114.84 lakh hectares in the country. Additionally, activities related to processing, trade, and the textile value chain provide employment to around 4–5 crore people.Cotton also plays a vital role in earning foreign exchange through the export of fiber, yarn, fabric, and garments. In 2024-25, India exported approximately 18 lakh bales of cotton, accounting for about 3.37 percent of global cotton exports. The value of cotton exports stood at US$ 11.49 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The United States was the largest market for Indian cotton textile and made-up products, accounting for a 26.35 percent share of exports. Other key markets included Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.Cotton cultivation in India takes place primarily across nine states. These are categorized into northern, central, and southern agro-climatic zones. Additionally, cotton is also cultivated in Odisha and Tamil Nadu.READ MORE :- India Seeks to Reclaim Its Global Textile Leadership

India Once Dominated the Textile Trade; Now Faces the Challenge of Re-establishing Global RecognitionNew Delhi: India was once among the world's leading textile trading hubs. Today, the country possesses the entire textile value chain—spanning from cotton production to spinning, weaving, processing, garment manufacturing, and exports. The sector's greatest strength lies in its capacity to generate employment. However, to strengthen its position amidst global competition, India requires robust institutions, modern technology, and a long-term strategy.Few industries have left as profound an impact on India’s civilization, culture, and economy as the textile industry. Long before the modern concept of global value chains emerged, textile manufacturing had already become an integral part of India's economic, cultural, and commercial fabric.Excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro have yielded evidence of spindles, needles, and artifacts related to textile production and dyeing. These represent some of the earliest traces of textile-related activities in India. The tradition that flourished during the Indus Valley Civilization continued to evolve over subsequent centuries through trade, innovation, and exquisite craftsmanship.For nearly two thousand years, Indian textiles enjoyed strong demand in markets across Asia and Europe. During the Mughal era, Bengal emerged as a vital hub for cotton textile production. The fine muslin of Dhaka was renowned for its superior quality and was highly sought after in international markets. Meanwhile, Murshidabad rose as a key center for the trade of silk and other high-quality fabrics.According to estimates by economist Angus Maddison, India accounted for approximately one-quarter of global economic output in the year 1700. Subsequently, the Industrial Revolution transformed the landscape of global competition. Innovations such as James Hargreaves' Spinning Jenny and other weaving machinery fueled mass production. Competitive advantage was no longer solely dependent on the skills of artisans but came to rely on technology, productivity, and economies of scale. Following this shift, India gradually became a major supplier of raw cotton to the mills of Britain's Lancashire region and a vast market for finished garments.Today, the challenge before India is not merely to replicate its glorious textile past but to forge a new identity as a modern global textile powerhouse. This will require robust institutions, modern technology, innovation, a skilled workforce, and better coordination across the entire value chain.READ MORE :- India-UK Trade Pact May Nearly Double Exports by FY31

India-UK Trade Pact May Nearly Double Exports By FY31; Textiles, Leather Among Biggest BeneficiariesIndia's exports to the UK are projected to rise to $24.2 billion by FY31 from $13.5 billion in FY26, following the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), according to a Bank of Baroda Research report.The trade pact, which came into force on July 15, is expected to significantly boost Indian exports by eliminating tariffs on nearly all goods shipped to the UK. The report estimates bilateral trade between the two countries could increase to $41 billion by FY31, up from $25.1 billion in FY26, with India's exports expected to outpace imports, further widening its trade surplus.Textiles & Apparel To GainThe agreement removes the around 12% tariff previously levied on Indian textile and apparel exports, placing Indian manufacturers on a level playing field with competitors such as Bangladesh and Pakistan.Bank of Baroda Research estimates exports from the sector could increase to $3.1 billion by FY31 from $2.1 billion over the next five years. Listed companies with notable UK exposure include Gokaldas Exports, KPR Mill and Welspun Living, according to company disclosures.Leather, Manufacturing Sectors Also Stand To BenefitThe report noted that around 99% of India's exports by value will now enjoy tariff-free access to the UK. This is expected to improve the competitiveness of labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and leather, as well as manufacturing industries including electronics, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods.On the import side, India has adopted a phased approach to tariff reductions while continuing to protect sensitive sectors such as dairy, agriculture, smartphones and electric vehicles.According to Bank of Baroda Research, the agreement is expected to strengthen India's export competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs and labour-intensive industries, while supporting a larger trade surplus with the UK over the next five years.READ MORE :- Kharif Crop Crisis Deepens as Monsoon Weakens, Sowing Falls in Maharashtra

Kharif crop crisis in many states due to lack of rain, sowing reduced in Maharashtra, farmers of Gujarat-Telangana worriedSlow pace of monsoon and long dry spells in many states of the country have created a crisis for Kharif crops. Farmers in Telangana, Maharashtra and Gujarat are worried about loss of cotton, soybean, groundnut and other kharif crops. Due to lack of continuous rains, the moisture in the fields is decreasing rapidly, which is affecting the growth of crops and also increasing the risk of cost increase for the farmers.Farmers in Telangana's Adilabad district say late arrival of monsoon and prolonged absence of rains in July have stunted the growth of cotton, soybean and red gram crops. Inspite of light rain, the fields have not been sufficiently moistened. Mora Kishtu, a farmer of Ada village in Zainad mandal, said that he had sown cotton in 20 acres after initial rains in late June, but now timely rains are very important for good yield. Around 4.25 lakh acres of cotton has been cultivated in the district this Kharif season, but drought-like conditions have increased farmers' worries.In Maharashtra too, the pace of kharif sowing has slowed down due to the effects of El Nino and weak monsoon. According to the Agriculture Department, only 86.92 lakh hectares or 60 percent of the state's 144.36 lakh hectare agricultural area has been sown till July 15, 2026, while this figure was 84 percent during the same period last year. Due to the lack of rain in many areas, farmers have to re-sow, which increases the cost of production. Soybean and cotton are the most sown in the state, while Marathwada, Vidarbha and Konkan are among the worst affected regions.Jessar and nearby villages of Bhavnagar district of Gujarat have also not received enough rain for the last 15 to 20 days. Farmers had completed sowing of cotton and groundnut after initial good rains, but now the plants have started drying up due to lack of moisture in the fields. Farmers who do not have irrigation facilities are the most affected. Farmers say that if there is no good rain in the next four-five days, the cotton and groundnut crops may suffer heavy losses. Farmers of all the three states are now waiting for good rains on time, as the rains in the coming days will decide the status of Kharif crops.READ MORE :- El Nino Impact: Karimnagar Farmers Advised to Choose Low-Water Crops

El Nino effect: Advice to farmers in Karimnagar to adopt low water crops except paddyKARIMNAGAR: Due to weak monsoon and El Nino impact in Telangana's Karimnagar district, the agriculture department has advised farmers to switch to low water intensive crops like paddy in Kharif season. In view of the shortage of water for irrigation, the district administration has implemented a contingency plan, so that the loss of the farmers can be reduced.District Agriculture Officer J. Bhagyalakshmi said that a serious shortage of irrigation has been revealed in the departmental survey. Farmers have been appealed to sow low water ready crops like groundnut, moong, cowpea and sunflower. According to the Irrigation Department, Lower Manair Dam currently has 5.568 tmcft of water available, while its total capacity is 24.034 tmcft. This water reservoir will be reserved for the next 90 days mainly for drinking water needs.Despite having around 1.57 lakh acres of agricultural land in Karimnagar, sowing was affected in a large area till July 15 due to shortage of water. District Collector Chitra Mishra has directed officials of the Agriculture and Irrigation Department to promote alternative crops and implement an emergency action plan.At the same time, the effect of El Nino is clearly visible in Rajanna-Sirsila district. As against the usual 2.45 lakh acres, only 93 thousand acres have been sown so far, affecting about 40 percent of the district's agricultural activities.READ MORE :- Kharif Crops in Pachod-Paithan at Risk Due to Rainfall Deficit

Kharif Crops in Pachod-Paithan at Risk Due to Lack of RainPachod (Maharashtra): Kharif crops in the Pachod and Paithan *talukas* are facing a severe crisis due to the absence of rainfall over the past three weeks. Crops are on the verge of withering due to the lack of adequate rain. Young plants are scorching under the intense heat and sunlight, creating a situation where farmers may be forced to undertake re-sowing.After a long gap of nearly ten years, the monsoon arrived with a delay of about a month this year, resulting in Kharif sowing being completed on only half of the cultivable land. Farmers arranged for seeds by borrowing money or using their limited savings and completed sowing across approximately 63,000 hectares in the ten revenue circles of Paithan *taluka*. Initially, seed germination was good, and crop growth was satisfactory following the early rains. However, just as farmers finished agricultural tasks like weeding and hoeing, the rainfall suddenly ceased.Soil moisture is depleting rapidly due to the lack of continuous rain. The impact is clearly visible on Kharif crops such as cotton, pearl millet (*bajra*), and green gram (*moong*). The lack of moisture has also led to increased pest infestations, and plants in the fields have started to wilt.Farmers are making every possible effort to save their crops. Some are manually watering plants using small vessels, while others are utilizing the limited water remaining in their wells through drip irrigation systems. If good rainfall does not occur soon, farmers may face the prospect of re-sowing, which threatens to impose an additional financial burden on them.READ MORE :- CCI Cotton Sales Reach 85.04 Lakh Bales in 2025-26 Season

State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 SeasonThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) Increased its cotton candy prices by upto ₹800 per candy during this week . CCI has sold approximately 85,04,800 cotton bales for the 2025-26 season. Sales are highly concentrated in a few major cotton-producing states, Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat emerging as the leading contributors.📞 For more information, call us at: 9111677775READ MORE :- Rupee Opens 3 Paise Higher at 96.41 Against Dollar.

The rupee opened higher at 96.41/$.The Sensex was up 2.82 points or 0.00 percent at 77,711.34, and the Nifty was up 3.65 points or 0.02 percent at 24,242.15.On Tuesday, the Indian rupee opened 3 paise higher against the dollar at 96.41, whereas it had closed at 96.44 on Monday.READ MORE :- Rupee Falls 3 Paise to Close at 96.44 Against US Dollar