The rupee fell by 20 paise to open at 96.17 USD.On Monday, the Indian rupee opened 20 paise lower at 96.17 against the dollar, while it had closed at 95.97 on Friday.Read more :- Demand to Remove Cotton Import Duty Intensifies
Big Relief for Farmers: Cabinet Hikes Cotton & Soyabean MSP for Kharif 2026-27The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved revised Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season, with major gains announced for cotton and soyabean growers.Cotton registered one of the highest MSP hikes this year. The MSP for Medium Staple Cotton has been increased by ₹557 per quintal to ₹8,267 from ₹7,710 in 2025-26. The MSP for Long Staple Cotton has also been raised by ₹557 to ₹8,667 per quintal from ₹8,110 last year. Compared to 2013-14 levels, MSP for Medium Staple Cotton has increased by ₹4,567 or 123%, while Long Staple Cotton MSP has gone up by ₹4,667 or 117%.The estimated cost of production for Medium Staple Cotton for 2026-27 has been fixed at ₹5,511 per quintal, ensuring farmers a 50% margin over production cost.For Yellow Soyabean, the MSP has been increased to ₹5,708 per quintal for 2026-27, up by ₹380 from ₹5,328 lread more :- Demand to Remove Cotton Import Duty Intensifies
Calls to Remove Cotton Import Duty Intensify; Textile Ministry Conducting StudyCoimbatore/New Delhi: The country's textile and apparel industry has intensified pressure on the Central Government to remove the 11% import duty currently levied on raw cotton. Industry associations argue that the limited availability of cotton in the domestic market, coupled with rising prices, is placing increasing cost pressure on spinning mills and downstream textile companies. Consequently, the removal of import duties has become imperative for the industry.During a recent meeting of the Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption held in Mumbai, representatives of the consumer industry raised this issue prominently. Following this, the Office of the Textile Commissioner submitted a recommendation to the Union Ministry of Textiles proposing that the import duty on cotton be temporarily suspended annually between April and September for the next five years. Currently, this proposal is under the Ministry's consideration, and the government is conducting a study to assess its economic and trade-related implications.During a stakeholders' meeting held in Coimbatore, industry associations stated that the removal of the duty would provide Indian mills with the opportunity to compete on an equal footing with the global market. They believe that this would ensure the availability of high-quality raw material for the domestic industry at reasonable prices, thereby alleviating the pressure caused by the cotton shortage.According to industry associations, the textile industry's cotton requirement for the year 2025-26 is estimated to be approximately 337 lakh bales, while the projected availability stands at around 292.15 lakh bales. This could result in a shortfall of approximately 45 lakh bales. The associations assert that if imports are not facilitated in a timely manner, the entire cotton value chain—and by extension, the livelihoods of nearly 35 million people directly associated with it—could be adversely affected.Meanwhile, an industry delegation led by A. Sakthivel, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), met with Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan met with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, and Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, reiterating the demand for the removal of duties. The Tamil Nadu government has also urged the Centre to abolish the import duty on cotton and establish CCI warehouses in the state.read more :- The rupee closed at 95.97 against the dollar, shedding 10 paise
On Friday, the Indian rupee closed 10 paise lower at 95.97 per dollar, having opened at 95.87 in the morning.Following a volatile session on Friday, Indian stock markets closed with losses. The Sensex ended down 160.73 points, or 0.21 percent, at 75,237.99, while the Nifty settled 46.10 points, or 0.19 percent, lower at 23,643.50.Read More :- How important is technology to the success of the Cotton Mission?
Can India's Cotton Mission Succeed Without New Technology?India's cotton sector once again stands at a crossroads of change. The Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC), launched in 2002, propelled the country's cotton production and exports to new heights through the adoption of novel technologies such as Bt cotton. Between 2002 and 2015, cotton productivity surged from approximately 300 kilograms of lint per hectare to over 500 kilograms. Consequently, India emerged as the world's largest producer and exporter of cotton.However, since 2015, the sector's momentum has slowed down due to a dearth of new technologies, rising costs, and challenges such as the pink bollworm infestation. Production declined from a record high of 390 lakh bales to approximately 290 lakh bales. This not only adversely affected farmers' incomes but also left the textile industry grappling with a shortage of raw materials.The government has now announced a ₹5,659 crore Cotton Productivity Mission (MCP), aiming to boost productivity from 440 kilograms to 755 kilograms per hectare by 2031. However, experts believe that achieving this target solely through conventional measures will be a formidable task.While the mission emphasizes High-Density Planting Systems (HDPS), superior seeds, and advanced farming techniques, the real challenge lies in the lack of new genetic technologies and mechanization. Farmers are increasingly demanding technologies such as herbicide-tolerant Bt cotton, yet regulatory approvals continue to face persistent delays.According to experts, India must embrace AI-based pest monitoring, IoT-enabled farming, regenerative agriculture, and novel genetic technologies. Without technological innovation, a substantial increase in cotton production does not appear feasible through policies and traditional methods alone. If India is to reclaim its strong foothold in the global cotton market, comprehensive reforms rooted in science and technology will be indispensable.
Indian Textile Industry Welcomes ₹5,659-Crore Mission on Cotton to Boost Productivity and Global CompetitivenessThe Indian textile industry has welcomed the Union government’s approval of a five-year Mission on Cotton, aimed at boosting cotton productivity with an outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore. Industry stakeholders believe the initiative will strengthen cotton farming, improve productivity, and enhance the global competitiveness of India’s textile and apparel sector.Confederation of Indian Textile Industry Chairman Ashwin Chandran said the Cabinet’s decision would provide a major impetus to the sector, especially at a time when India is looking to leverage opportunities arising from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He noted that the Mission would help address the long-standing imbalance in India’s cotton sector.Although India is among the world’s largest cotton producers, its productivity levels remain comparatively low, affecting the country’s export competitiveness. Chandran said a recent delegation from the textile and apparel industry met Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to highlight challenges across the cotton value chain and seek government intervention.Southern India Mills’ Association Chairman Durai Palanisamy recalled that the Technology Mission on Cotton (TMC), launched in 1999, had significantly transformed the sector. Cotton production increased from around 178 lakh bales to nearly 398 lakh bales by 2013-14, while the cultivation area expanded from 92 lakh hectares to 128 lakh hectares, accounting for nearly 36–38% of global cotton acreage.However, following the closure of the TMC, cotton gradually lost policy focus, leading to a decline in productivity and production in recent years, with current output estimated at around 292 lakh bales.Industry leaders expect the new Mission to ensure a steady supply of quality cotton to the textile sector and reduce dependence on imports of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton. They pointed out that India’s cotton productivity, estimated at 450–500 kg lint per hectare, remains lower than that of countries such as Brazil and China.Meanwhile, the South India Hosiery Manufacturers Association has urged the Union government to withdraw import duty on cotton and take steps to stabilise yarn prices.
Preparations for ‘White Gold’ Begin in Khargone; Emphasis Placed on Right Farming TechniquesFarmers in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh have intensified their preparations for the upcoming Kharif season. Recognized as the state's largest cotton-producing district, Khargone yields hundreds of thousands of quintals of cotton annually. Given the pivotal role cotton plays in the district's economy, farmers' hopes and expectations are inextricably linked to this crop. However, during every season, farmers often find themselves in a dilemma regarding which cotton variety to choose, frequently gravitating rapidly toward one specific variety. Yet, agricultural scientists maintain that for superior yields, it is not merely the variety that matters, but rather the adoption of correct farming techniques and effective crop management.According to Dr. Rajiv Singh, a senior agricultural scientist in Khargone, BT cotton is cultivated on a large scale across the district during the Kharif season. Known as "White Gold," this crop enjoys robust demand in both domestic and international markets. He noted that almost all currently available BT-2 cotton varieties possess excellent yield potential; therefore, farmers need not chase after any single specific variety.Experts assert that proper field preparation is the primary key to securing a bountiful harvest. Deep plowing, timely sowing, and the judicious use of balanced fertilizers are instrumental in boosting production. Farmers have been advised to apply manure and fertilizers strictly on the basis of soil test results, ensuring the crop receives optimal nutrition while keeping cultivation costs under control.Effective water management and pest control have also been identified as critical factors for the cotton crop. Irrigating as per requirements, preventing waterlogging in the fields, and the timely application of pesticides are essential measures for safeguarding the crop. According to agricultural scientists, if farmers embrace modern techniques and maintain regular vigilance, they can achieve superior yields and higher profits from any good cotton variety.
Special Incentive Scheme to Promote Cotton Cultivation in HaryanaExpressing concern over the continuous decline in cotton cultivation within the state, the Haryana Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has decided to launch a special incentive scheme to encourage farmers to return to cotton farming during this Kharif season. Over the past six years, the area under cotton cultivation in the state has plummeted from approximately 800,000 hectares to a record low of 390,000 hectares in 2024–25. In light of this decline, the Department has established a special wing titled "Promotion of Cotton Cultivation in Haryana" (PCCH).This campaign will be primarily implemented in major cotton-producing districts such as Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Rewari, and Mahendragarh. Among these, Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Hisar are considered Haryana's traditional "Cotton Belt." According to agricultural experts, persistent pest infestations—including the pink bollworm—and subsequent crop losses compelled farmers to abandon cotton in favor of alternative crops like paddy, thereby placing additional strain on irrigation resources.Under this scheme, demonstration plots spanning two acres each will be developed in every district. On these plots, the entire cultivation process—encompassing land preparation, sowing, irrigation, pesticide application, and harvesting—will be meticulously documented using scientific methodologies. These plots will be jointly managed by the Department of Agriculture and scientists from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, ensuring that farmers receive practical, hands-on training.According to Dr. Arun Kumar Yadav, the State Coordinator for PCCH, farmers will be provided with comprehensive information regarding pest identification, disease management, and the balanced application of fertilizers and pesticides. The government is offering financial assistance of ₹2,000 per acre for micronutrients and ₹4,000 per acre for the cultivation of indigenous cotton varieties. To avail of these benefits, it will be mandatory for farmers to register on the "Meri Fasal Mera Byora" portal and submit their purchase bills.read more :- Cotton Prices Cross 10,000—Yet Farmers See No Benefit
Cotton Prices Cross ₹10,000 Per Quintal, Yet Farmers Fail to Reap the BenefitsIn the erstwhile Adilabad district, cotton prices have surged, reaching a high of ₹10,000 per quintal; however, the majority of farmers have failed to reap the benefits of this rise. The primary reason for this is that farmers had already sold their produce earlier at lower prices. Farmers have attributed their losses to market volatility and procurement conditions related to moisture content.Adilabad has witnessed a massive surge in cotton prices this season. Despite this, there is a noticeable lack of enthusiasm among farmers, as most of them had already sold their harvest. Only a select few farmers—those who had safely stored their cotton at home—are now capitalizing on the elevated prices to earn profits.Many farmers state that the cotton market remained subject to constant fluctuations, preventing them from securing fair prices at the opportune moment. Consequently, a large number of farmers have incurred losses in the cultivation of this cash crop.The erstwhile Adilabad district—comprising the districts of Adilabad, Mancherial, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, and Nirmal—is recognized as one of the state's premier cotton-producing regions. Cotton was cultivated across approximately 12.60 lakh acres in this region, yielding an estimated production of 80 lakh quintals.The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) procured approximately 40.25 lakh quintals of cotton, while the remaining produce was purchased by private traders.read more :- The rupee opened 11 paise lower at 95.87 against the dollar
Rupee Opens at 95.87 Against the Dollar Down 11 PaiseOn Friday, the Indian Rupee opened 11 paise lower against the US Dollar at 95.87, whereas it had closed at 95.76 on Thursday. Read More:- The rupee closed 3 paise lower against the dollar at 95.76
After opening at 95.73 in morning trade on Thursday, the Indian rupee slipped 3 paise to close at 95.76.At market close, the Sensex surged 789.74 points, or 1.06 percent, to reach 75,398.72, while the Nifty closed at 23,689.60, gaining 277 points or 1.18 percent.Read More :- ICE Cotton Futures Climb on Concerns Over Dry US Weather Conditions
ICE Cotton Futures Rise on US Dry Weather WorriesICE cotton futures closed higher on Wednesday as ongoing dry weather concerns in major US cotton-growing regions, especially West Texas, continued to support bullish market sentiment. Traders remained worried about limited rainfall and increasing moisture stress, which could impact crop development and production prospects. Strong speculative buying also kept prices firm throughout the session.The most-active July 2026 cotton contract settled at 86.81 cents per pound, gaining 0.49 cent and marking its second-highest close of the season, as well as the strongest settlement since April 2024. The December 2026 contract ended at 86.46 cents, up 0.18 cent, also recording one of the highest levels of the current rally.Support for cotton prices also came from rising crude oil values, with oil trading above $100 per barrel. Higher energy prices increase the production cost of polyester and other synthetic fibres, improving the competitiveness of natural fibres like cotton. In addition, growing global interest in sustainable and eco-friendly textile materials continued to provide long-term support to cotton demand.Market participants also discussed the possibility of stronger Chinese demand for US cotton, including market rumours about purchases by the Chinese State Reserve. These expectations added further strength to futures trading.Meanwhile, ICE certified cotton stocks increased by 1,160 bales to 185,378 bales as of May 12. In Brazil, consultancy Safras & Mercado estimated the country’s 2025-26 cotton crop at 3.347 million tonnes, slightly below earlier trade expectations.Broader financial markets also influenced cotton trade. Stronger-than-expected US wholesale inflation data reduced hopes of immediate Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, while geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran kept commodity markets volatile. However, firm US equity markets and improved investor confidence supported overall risk appetite.Trading activity remained strong, with total cotton futures volume reaching 81,518 contracts. Open interest rose slightly to 335,218 contracts, indicating traders largely maintained bullish positions, while options trading remained active.Traders are now closely watching upcoming USDA Export Sales data, the CFTC On-Call Report, and the weekly Commitment of Traders (COT) Report for fresh market direction. Overall, cotton futures continue to hold a cautiously bullish tone due to weather risks, delayed US planting, firm crude oil prices, and expectations of stronger export demand.READ MORE :- Rising Costs and Global Headwinds Strain Gujarat’s Textile Industry
Rising costs and global challenges are putting pressure on Gujarat's textile industry.Gujarat's textile industry—widely considered the backbone of India's man-made fiber (MMF) sector—is facing one of the most severe financial downturns in its recent history, with Surat, the textile hub of South Gujarat, at the epicenter of the crisis.A combination of geopolitical tensions in West Asia, rising crude oil prices, increasing yarn costs, declining global demand, and increasing trade pressures have pushed the sector into a deep crisis. According to industry estimates, losses of approximately ₹2,500-₹3,000 crore have been incurred in the last 60 days, and many weaving units are now operating at only about half their installed capacity.Surat, one of India's largest textile production centers, is currently facing a "severe crisis" of "increased costs and weak market demand," as described by industry stakeholders. What began as an external shock linked to geopolitical instability has rapidly transformed into a structural strain on the region's textile economy, severely impacting the profits of manufacturers, traders, and related workers.At the root of this crisis is the sharp rise in crude oil prices, which has directly impacted the MMF value chain. Since most synthetic textile production relies heavily on petroleum-derived raw materials, high crude oil rates have significantly increased yarn prices. Despite the significant increase in input costs, market fabric prices have not adjusted proportionately, leading to a widening gap between production costs and realization.According to Ashok Jirawala, President of the Gujarat Weavers Association (FOGWA), many manufacturers are being forced to sell below production costs to continue operations. He explained that the imbalance between rising input costs and stable market prices has become a persistent burden incurring daily losses across the region.READ MORE :- Tirupur Garment Industry Urges Centre to Scrap Cotton Import Duty
Garment Exporters and Manufacturers from Tirupur Demand Removal of Import Duty on CottonA delegation of garment manufacturers and exporters from Tirupur met with the Union Textiles, Agriculture, and Commerce Ministers in New Delhi on Wednesday to demand the removal of the current 11% import duty on cotton.A. Sakthivel, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, led the delegation. The delegation met with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, as well as Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan.The delegation highlighted the challenges faced by the apparel and textile industry due to high cotton prices and rising input costs. India has recently signed several free trade agreements (FTAs), creating significant opportunities for increased textile and apparel exports. However, while other apparel exporting countries are able to obtain cotton at internationally competitive prices, Indian manufacturers face high raw material prices due to the current import duty structure.Reduction in import duty on cotton is essential to help the Indian apparel industry gain more trade opportunities from FTA partner countries and enhance India's competitiveness in the global market.The textile industry's cotton requirement for the current year is estimated to be approximately 337 lakh bales, while cotton arrivals for the 2025-2026 season are projected to be only 292.15 lakh bales, resulting in a demand-supply gap of approximately 45 lakh bales. The delegation informed the ministers that this shortage is expected to increase pressure on spinning mills and the downstream textile industry due to rising input costs and limited availability of quality raw materials.READ MORE :-The rupee opened at 95.73 with a fall of 02 paise
The rupee fell by 02 paise to open at 95.73 USDOn Thursday, the Indian rupee opened 02 paise lower at 95.73 against the dollar, while it had closed at 95.71 on Wednesday.Read more :- The rupee closed at 95.71 against the dollar, down 10 paise.
On Wednesday, after opening at 95.61 in morning trade, the Indian rupee fell by 10 paise to close at 95.71 against the US dollar.At the close, the Sensex ended 49.74 points, or 0.07 percent, higher at 74,608.98, while the Nifty rose 33.05 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 23,412.60.Read More :- The rupee opened 02 paise higher at 95.61
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The rupee opened 20 paise lower at 96.17 against the dollar. | 18-05-2026 09:19:41 | view |
| Relief for Farmers: MSP for Cotton and Soybean Increased | 15-05-2026 17:35:48 | view |
| Demand to Remove Cotton Import Duty Intensifies | 15-05-2026 17:27:19 | view |
| The rupee closed at 95.97 against the dollar, shedding 10 paise | 15-05-2026 16:04:59 | view |
| How important is technology to the success of the Cotton Mission? | 15-05-2026 13:28:30 | view |
| ₹5,659 Crore Initiative for the Cotton Sector | 15-05-2026 13:19:41 | view |
| Cotton Season Begins in Khargone; Emphasis Placed on Scientific Farming Methods | 15-05-2026 13:07:22 | view |
| Haryana Government's New Incentive Initiative for Cotton Farmers | 15-05-2026 12:52:07 | view |
| Cotton Prices Cross 10,000—Yet Farmers See No Benefit | 15-05-2026 12:38:32 | view |
| The rupee opened 11 paise lower at 95.87 against the dollar | 15-05-2026 09:55:01 | view |
| The rupee closed 3 paise lower against the dollar at 95.76 | 14-05-2026 15:58:04 | view |
| ICE Cotton Futures Climb on Concerns Over Dry US Weather Conditions | 14-05-2026 15:15:30 | view |
| Rising Costs and Global Headwinds Strain Gujarat’s Textile Industry | 14-05-2026 12:05:48 | view |
| Tirupur Garment Industry Urges Centre to Scrap Cotton Import Duty | 14-05-2026 11:52:50 | view |
| The rupee opened at 95.73 with a fall of 02 paise | 14-05-2026 09:22:28 | view |
| The rupee closed at 95.71 against the dollar, down 10 paise. | 13-05-2026 16:01:04 | view |
