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CCI Resumes Cotton Sales; Cuts Prices by ₹2,300 Per CandyThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) on Friday resumed the sale of cotton procured during the 2025-26 season. In light of the softening prices in the global market, the organization also reduced its cotton selling price by ₹2,300 per candy (356 kg). Despite this move, market response remained below expectations, with buying activity observed only at limited levels.According to trade sources, even after the price reduction, the CCI managed to sell only about 1,200 bales of cotton on Friday. Of this quantity, approximately 800 bales were purchased by spinning mills, while the remainder was acquired by traders and resellers. This marks the second instance in recent days that the CCI has lowered its prices; just last week, the organization had implemented a reduction of ₹700 per candy. Citing technical reasons, the CCI had temporarily suspended its sales on May 22.Market experts believe that, despite the price cuts, buyers continue to maintain a cautious stance. According to Ramanuj Das Boob, a sourcing agent based in Raichur, a price imbalance persists even at current levels. Buyers are adopting a "wait-and-watch" strategy, while weak yarn prices are also impacting the purchasing capacity of the mills.The recent softening in the global cotton market compelled the CCI to revise its pricing. ICE cotton futures—which had surged from early February to reach 88 cents per pound on May 11—have now retreated to hover around 76 cents per pound. Improved weather outlooks in the US and Brazil, coupled with a decline in crude oil prices, are considered the primary factors driving this market softness. Consequently, private resellers have been observed selling cotton at rates approximately ₹2,000 per candy lower than the CCI's prices. The CCI procured approximately 10.5 million bales of cotton during the 2025-26 season, the majority of which has already been sold. It is estimated that the corporation currently holds a remaining stock of approximately 3.2 million bales. Meanwhile, the Central Government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton by ₹557 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing season. Consequently, the MSP has been fixed at ₹8,267 per quintal for medium-staple cotton and ₹8,667 per quintal for long-staple cotton. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and assessments by industry bodies, the area under cotton cultivation is expected to increase by approximately 7 percent during the upcoming Kharif season, driven by expectations of better prices.read more :- Jalna Sees Drop in Cotton, Soybean Productivity; Maize Performs Better

Kharif 2025: Cotton and Soybean Productivity Drops in Jalna; Maize Shows Stronger PerformanceAgricultural statistics for the Kharif 2025 season in Jalna district reveal a decline in the productivity of key crops—cotton and soybean. According to the Department of Agriculture, the area under cotton cultivation has shrunk to 278,924 hectares. Concurrently, its productivity was recorded at 278.212 kilograms per hectare—a figure considered a significant decrease compared to the previous year.The situation regarding soybeans was somewhat different. While the area under its cultivation expanded to reach 212,404 hectares, productivity stood at a mere 1,274.993 kilograms per hectare. This clearly indicates that, despite the increase in acreage, production capacity failed to reach expected levels.In contrast, maize delivered a stronger performance this season. The area under its cultivation rose to 57,345 hectares, and productivity was recorded at 2,993.573 kilograms per hectare—a figure exceeding the district's average level.Arhar (Pigeon Pea) was cultivated across an area of 50,849 hectares, yielding a productivity of 1,130.625 kilograms per hectare. This marks an improvement compared to the previous year. In 2024, the average acreage for Arhar was 53,346.18 hectares; however, actual sowing took place across 49,990 hectares, with productivity recorded at 1,021.333 kilograms per hectare.Crops such as Moong, Urad, and Bajra yielded mixed results. The area under Bajra cultivation continues to shrink steadily; while 6,743 hectares were sown in 2024, this figure dropped to just 3,263 hectares in the subsequent season. The acreage for Urad is also on a downward trend, although its productivity has been recorded at levels above the average. Agricultural experts believe that erratic rainfall, changing weather patterns, rising production costs, and the potential impact of El Niño have affected the performance of Kharif crops. According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon is currently stalled over Sri Lanka, which has heightened the concerns of farmers.read more :- Telangana Farmers Gear Up for Cotton Sowing Season

Telangana: Preparations for Cotton Sowing Intensify Ahead of JuneHyderabad: Farmers in Telangana have accelerated their preparations for the cultivation of cotton—often referred to as "white gold." According to agricultural experts, the month of June is considered the most suitable time for sowing cotton, while the crop typically becomes ready for harvest by October or November. By ensuring adequate rainfall, utilizing improved seed varieties, and adopting appropriate farming techniques, farmers can achieve higher yields and greater profitability.Cotton ranks among the major cash crops in Telangana, and thousands of farmers rely on its cultivation for their livelihood. This Kharif season crop is sown in June, coinciding with the arrival of the first monsoon showers. Experts note that while the primary sowing window spans from June through the first week of July, preparatory activities commence as early as April and May. During this preparatory phase, farmers engage in deep plowing of their fields to enhance soil moisture retention and water-holding capacity, as well as to minimize the impact of pests.Agricultural scientists are advising farmers to prepare their fields in a timely manner, apply balanced fertilizers, and select high-quality seeds. Furthermore, emphasis is being placed on the need for special attention to irrigation and pest control measures to safeguard the crop from potential damage during its critical early stages of growth.A cotton crop typically matures within a period of 150 to 180 days. Following sowing in June—and with proper care, fertilization, and irrigation—the fields become blanketed in white cotton by October or November. It is at this juncture that the first round of harvesting begins, serving as a primary source of income for the farmers.Cotton is widely regarded as the backbone of Telangana's economy. It not only serves as a major source of income for farmers but also provides a robust foundation for the state's agro-based industries. In years of bountiful yields, this crop further stimulates economic prosperity and generates employment opportunities across rural regions.read more :- Cotton Acreage Seen Rising as Prices Jump 25%

Signs of Increase in Cotton Acreage; Prices Surge by 25%Amidst a sharp surge in cotton prices and growing apprehensions regarding production levels, the country's textile industry has expressed heightened concern. However, there is good news for farmers: the acreage under cotton cultivation is expected to expand in the upcoming season. According to the Cotton Association of India (CAI), the area dedicated to cotton cultivation could increase by approximately 7 percent in 2026. Improved market rates and an upward revision in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) are considered the primary drivers behind this trend.Over the past two months, cotton prices have witnessed an increase of approximately 25 percent. Currently, the price for Shankar-6 (31 mm) cotton has reached ₹67,100 per candy—equivalent to roughly ₹18,869 per quintal—whereas prior to the onset of tensions between Iran and the U.S., its price stood at around ₹15,000 per quintal. International geopolitical conditions and global inflationary pressures have impacted the cotton market, the repercussions of which are now becoming evident within the textile industry as well.The government has fixed the MSP for medium-staple cotton at ₹8,267 per quintal and for long-staple cotton at ₹8,667 per quintal. An increase of ₹557 per quintal has been implemented across both categories. The realization of remunerative prices has boosted farmers' incomes, encouraging them to cultivate cotton across a larger area in the upcoming season.According to government estimates, cotton production in the current season is projected to stand at 292 lakh bales, while domestic demand could reach 328 lakh bales. Meanwhile, the CAI has projected a total production of 334 lakh bales for the 2025-26 season. Cotton imports are expected to reach 47 lakh bales, while exports are projected at 18 lakh bales.According to the CAI, the cotton surplus for the current season could rise to 103.59 lakh bales, with the closing stock at the end of the season estimated at 85.59 lakh bales. To ascertain the actual situation, the CAI has decided to constitute a seven-member committee to conduct a survey through an independent agency and to reconcile stock figures.read more :- Khandesh Cotton Output Seen Falling; Ginning Units Under Pressure

Maharashtra: Signs of Declining Cotton Production in Khandesh; Ginning Industry ConcernedMaharashtra: Indications point to a significant decline in cotton production in the Khandesh region this year—a trend expected to have a direct impact on the cotton processing industry. Given the prevailing circumstances, it is estimated that the region will produce approximately 1.8 million cotton bales (each weighing 170 kg) by the end of September 2026.Continuous rainfall—both before and after October during this season—has inflicted severe damage upon the cotton crop. Consequently, production has dropped, and ginning and pressing units are unable to procure the expected volume of raw material. According to industry experts, achieving the targeted production goal for processed cotton (lint) may prove challenging under these conditions.Typically, Khandesh produces between 2.2 to 2.4 million cotton bales annually; however, a consistent decline in production has been observed over the past few years. Productivity has been particularly affected in the Jalgaon district. Key factors cited for this decline include a reduction in the area under cotton cultivation, disease outbreaks, and adverse weather conditions.Generally, cotton processing units in Khandesh operate at full capacity following the Diwali festival; however, this year, a shortage of raw materials has compelled most ginning and pressing units to operate at a reduced pace.Currently, the daily arrival of cotton in the region stands at approximately 1,500 quintals. During the previous season, the average daily arrival in November and December was around 18,000 quintals. This year, however, a distinct decline in arrivals was evident right from the first fortnight of the month.Factory operations were also disrupted for a period due to the Diwali festivities and the elections. Direct procurement from farmers—known as 'farm-gate' purchasing—is also proceeding at a limited scale, as most farmers no longer have any remaining cotton stock.Following the cotton harvest, farmers have shifted their focus to alternative crops—such as gram (chana), wheat, and maize—depending on the availability of water. In many villages, the cotton picking process was completed by the beginning of January. Picking proceeded rapidly in rain-fed regions during December, but it is now becoming clearly evident that the final yield will fall short of expectations.read more :- Weak Demand Pushes Cotton Below CCI Rates

Cotton Selling Below CCI Rates Amid Global Price Softness; Yarn Market Also SluggishAs cotton futures prices on ICE soften, domestic re-sellers and multinational companies have begun selling cotton at rates lower than the prices fixed by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). This situation has emerged at a time when both domestic and global demand remain weak.From the beginning of February through mid-May, ICE cotton futures prices witnessed a sharp surge. Rising from a level of approximately 60.52 cents per pound on February 9, prices reached 88 cents per pound by May 11. However, subsequently—driven by prospects of improved weather in the US and Brazil, a decline in crude oil prices, a strengthening US dollar, and uncertainties regarding global demand—prices retreated to the 76–77 cents per pound range.According to Anand Popat of CotYarn Trade Link, the softness in the global futures market was reflected in the Indian spot market as well, though the decline in domestic prices remained limited. The primary reasons for this were low arrivals, limited availability in the spot market, and strong domestic basis levels. He noted that Indian cotton is currently still trading at a premium of approximately 8.55 cents per pound relative to ICE July futures.The CCI had commenced the sale of cotton procured during the 2025–26 season. Initially, it had lowered its selling prices to around ₹54,600 per candy; however, in light of global trends, these rates were subsequently raised to ₹68,600 per candy. Nevertheless, sales have been suspended since May 22 due to technical reasons. The CCI procured approximately 10.5 million bales of cotton this season; of these, about 7.2 million bales have already been sold, while a stock of 3.3 million bales remains.According to market sources, re-sellers and multinational companies are currently selling their stock at a rate approximately ₹2,000 per candy lower than the CCI's listed price. Meanwhile, the yarn market also remains sluggish. Due to weak demand, yarn prices have witnessed a decline of ₹30–35 per kilogram.In the meantime, the Cotton Association of India (CAI) has projected that the area under cotton cultivation could increase by approximately 7 percent during the upcoming Kharif season. The government has also hiked the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton by ₹557 per quintal for the 2026–27 season.read more :- Cotton Prices Extend Losses Amid Weak Demand

Cotton Market Review: Prices Continue to Decline Amidst Weak Demand and Global PressuresThe bearish trend in the cotton market persisted last week, as support from the demand side appeared to be consistently waning. The impact of the current off-season is clearly evident within the industry, resulting in relatively weak new orders from the downstream textile sector. Concurrently, pressure was also observed in the futures market, with the Zhengzhou cotton futures contract slipping below the critical psychological threshold of 16,000 RMB/ton.In the domestic market, the spot price for Grade 3128B lint cotton stood at approximately 17,480 RMB/ton as of May 25—marking a decline of about 1.31% compared to the previous week. Although the cotton sales rate remains robust and national-level processing is nearing completion, this underlying strength has proven insufficient to prop up prices. While the pace of sales is indeed brisk at present, it is primarily driven by the liquidation of existing stocks rather than by fresh demand.An uptick has also been recorded on the import front. In April 2026, cotton imports surged on a year-on-year basis, while the cumulative imports for the January-to-April period also witnessed a significant increase. This has further intensified domestic supply pressures, thereby exerting additional downward pressure on prices.The situation within the downstream textile sector remains mixed. While large-scale enterprises have managed to maintain a certain degree of stability in their order books, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are grappling with a dearth of demand and mounting inventory pressures. The accumulation of finished goods inventory has weakened the production-to-sales ratio, consequently curtailing fresh procurement activity.Pressure on cotton prices was also evident on the international stage. Following initial volatility, ICE cotton futures experienced a sharp decline—a movement influenced by broader weakness across global commodity markets and prevailing economic uncertainties.Looking ahead, cotton prices are likely to remain volatile. In the absence of a clear recovery in demand and policy support, the downward trend in the market may persist.read more:- China Extends Cotton Support Policy Through 2028

China Extends Cotton Target Price Policy Through 2026–28China has extended its cotton target price policy for the Xinjiang region for a period of three years (2026–2028). Under this decision, the target price has been maintained at 18,600 RMB (approximately $2,737 per ton). The objective of this move is to provide long-term support to domestic cotton farmers, stabilize their incomes, and ensure supply security amidst uncertainties prevailing in the global market.Xinjiang is China's largest cotton-producing region, accounting for a significant portion of the country's total output. The extension of this policy is expected to boost the confidence of local farmers, as they will continue to receive guaranteed income in the form of subsidies based on the difference between the market price and the government-set target price. This will help mitigate fluctuations in production and make cotton cultivation more sustainable.Beijing's move is not limited merely to income security; it also aims to make the cotton industry more modern, high-quality, and transparent. The government is promoting supply mechanisms that ensure traceability and minimize the potential for adulteration. This could encourage technological investment and the adoption of advanced agricultural practices within the industry.On a global level, this policy could lend support to international cotton prices in the medium term, as domestic prices within China are likely to remain relatively stable. It may also influence China's import patterns, particularly when global prices are more competitive.Overall, this extension reflects China's strategy to maintain stability within its cotton sector amidst an evolving global trade landscape, climate-related risks, and the imperative of supply chain security.read more :- Brazil Cotton Farmers Benefit as Global Prices Rally

Brazilian Cotton Farmers Gain From Global Price Rally Driven by Supply DisruptionsBrazil’s cotton farmers are poised to benefit from a strong rally in global cotton prices, which have risen more than 20% this year and recently reached their highest level since 2024. The surge is being driven by a combination of geopolitical disruption and weather-related supply risks in key producing regions.Tensions in the Middle East have affected shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting flows of naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock used to produce synthetic fibers. As synthetic fiber supply tightens, some demand is shifting back toward natural cotton. At the same time, forecasts of dry weather in major U.S. growing areas have raised concerns about lower output, adding further upward pressure on prices.Brazil, now the world’s largest cotton exporter, is well positioned to take advantage of these conditions. Export estimates show the country is on track to ship a record 3.1 million tons in the season ending in June, about 9% higher than the previous year. Strong demand from China, along with India’s temporary removal of import duties, has supported the increase in shipments.Farmers are quickly responding to higher prices. In Bahia state, producer Sergio Pitt initially pre-sold only about a third of his crop, but after the rally he increased forward sales to around 90%. Many growers are using improved revenues to lock in input costs such as chemicals and fertilizers and strengthen their financial positions after a difficult period marked by high costs and tight credit.Brazil’s rise in global cotton trade reflects structural advantages, including stable weather in its Center-West region and strong trade ties with Asia. Meanwhile, weather stress in the U.S. Cotton Belt, particularly in Texas, has weighed on American production.Analysts suggest that continued supply disruptions could push prices even higher, potentially toward $1 per pound under extreme scenarios. However, Brazil’s efficiency and scale mean it is likely to remain a dominant and expanding force in the global cotton market.read more :- Monsoon Arrival Delayed; Kerala Onset Now Expected in Early June

India’s Monsoon Delayed: Kerala Onset Now Expected in Early JuneIndia’s southwest monsoon, which was expected to arrive early this year, has missed its anticipated May 26 onset over Kerala, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The revised forecast now places the monsoon’s arrival between June 2 and 4 — slightly later than the usual June 1 onset and nearly a week behind earlier projections.The IMD had initially predicted an early arrival due to favourable atmospheric conditions, raising hopes of relief from the intense heatwave affecting large parts of the country. However, changing ocean temperatures, wind patterns, and atmospheric pressure systems altered the timeline.For the IMD to officially declare the monsoon onset over Kerala, at least 60% of 14 designated weather stations in the state must record a minimum of 2.5 mm rainfall for two consecutive days, along with specific wind and cloud conditions. As of May 25, those requirements had not been met.Despite the delayed declaration, Kerala has already been receiving significant rainfall. The IMD has issued yellow alerts for districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam, warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Similar alerts remain in place across Kerala and Lakshadweep through the week.Meteorologists also note that even after the monsoon officially sets in, its early phase may remain weak, with slower-than-usual progress toward northern India and no immediate surge in rainfall.Meanwhile, northern, central, and western parts of the country continue to battle severe heatwave conditions. Regions such as East Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha, East Madhya Pradesh, and West Rajasthan are among the worst affected. Delhi has repeatedly recorded temperatures above 45°C, while nighttime temperatures have remained close to 30°C, offering little relief.read more :- The Rupee higher by 06 paise to close at 95.69 per dollar.

On Wednesday, the Indian Rupee higher by 06 paise to close at 95.69 per dollar, while it had opened at 95.75 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 141.90 points or 0.19 percent at 75,867.80, and the Nifty was down 6.55 points or 0.03 percent at 23,907.15. About 2168 shares advanced, 1877 shares declined, and 160 shares unchanged.read more :- Dhule Kharif Sowing Target Set at 3.76 Lakh Hectares; Cotton Area Declines