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Dhule : Kharif Sowing Target in District Nears 3.75 Lakh Hectares; Cotton Area Shrinks as Trend Shifts Toward Maize and Soybean*The Agriculture Department has set a total sowing target of 376,669 hectares for the Kharif season in the district this year. This target remains roughly consistent with that of the previous year. The district's total cultivable area stands at 378,432 hectares, the majority of which has been designated for the sowing of Kharif crops.The crop basket for this Kharif season includes cereals (rice, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, and maize), pulses (pigeon pea, green gram, black gram), and oilseeds (groundnut, sesame, sunflower, and soybean), alongside commercial crops such as cotton and sugarcane. Anticipating rainfall ranging from normal to above-normal—as forecast by the Meteorological Department—the Agriculture Department has already initiated preparations to ensure the availability of seeds and fertilizers.According to agriculture officials, if the rains arrive on schedule, sowing operations are expected to proceed at a rapid pace.*Decline in Cotton Cultivation Area; Shift Toward Alternative Crops*Over the past few years, the district has witnessed a consistent decline in the area dedicated to cotton cultivation. Previously, a significant portion of the Kharif land was utilized for cotton farming; however, a reduction in this area has now been recorded.Key factors cited for the decline in cotton cultivation include pest infestations, rising costs of pesticides, increased labor expenses, and market price volatility. Consequently, farmers are now pivoting toward alternative crops.*Maize and Soybean Emerge as Preferred Alternatives*There has been a rapid surge in farmers' interest toward the cultivation of maize and soybean within the district. Farmers perceive these crops as relatively less expensive and less labor-intensive, as they require fewer pesticides and spraying interventions compared to cotton.For this very reason, the area under maize and soybean cultivation is steadily expanding during the Kharif season, effectively replacing cotton.read more :- Brazil Cotton Exports Jump Despite Softening Prices

Strong Growth in Brazil's Cotton Exports in May 2026; Momentum Sustained Despite Slight Dip in PricesBrazil's raw cotton exports recorded a sharp increase during the first 15 working days of May 2026. According to government statistics, this data is included in a report by the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), which operates under the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services.The report indicates that the daily average export volume during this period was 67.8% higher compared to May 2025. While the daily average in May 2025 stood at 9,152.6 tons—resulting in a total export of 192,204.3 tons over 21 working days—this average surged to 15,356 tons per day during the initial 15 working days of May 2026. So far this month, a total of 230,339.3 tons of raw cotton have been exported.This rapid surge in exports also had a positive impact on revenue. The average daily export revenue rose to approximately US$23.681 million, representing a 60.7% increase compared to the US$14.738 million recorded in May of the previous year. However, a decline was observed in the average export price per ton. This figure dropped from US$1,610.2 per ton in May 2025 to US$1,542.1 per ton this month—a decrease of 4.2%.Overall, the revenue generated from raw cotton exports during the first 15 working days of May 2026 amounted to approximately US$355.215 million, whereas this figure stood at US$309.489 million for the entire 21-working-day period in May 2025.Pressure was also evident in the global cotton market, as trading remained closed on the New York Stock Exchange due to the Memorial Day holiday. According to market analysts, profit booking, the possibility of rain in U.S. producing regions, and lower crude oil prices have exerted downward pressure on cotton prices. The decline in oil prices has made polyester more competitive, thereby impacting the demand for natural fibers.In Brazil's domestic market as well, the recent surge in cotton lint prices appears to be losing momentum. This is attributed to a decline in global prices and buyers waiting for greater clarity before making new purchases.read more:- India Cotton Stocks Strong as Sowing Area May Rise 7%

A SUMMARISE REPORT ON PRESENT COTTON SCENARIO (POSITION AS ON 30/04/2026) (Each bale170 kgs.)▪️Total pressing estimate during crop year 2025-2026 is estimated as 334.50 lakh bales & upto 30-04-2026 total 310.50 lakh bales have been pressed. Considering above till April-2026 end total availability of cotton may be assesed as 412.89 lakh bales including import of 41.80 lakh bales and Opening stock of 60.59 lakh bales.▪️Cotton consumption in this cotton season may touch 338.00 lakh bales and upto 30-04-2026 about 197.16 lakh bales reported as consumed. (SIS)▪️Export upto April-2026 end is found total 18.00 lakh bales against estimation  for this season year of 15.00 lakh bales.▪️It is revealed that during current crop  end total 47.00 lakh bales may be imported. Upto April-2026 about 41.80 lakh bales have been arrived at different indian ports. (SIS)▪️Kepping in view the above , total available stock as on 30.04.2026 is calculated to the tune 412.89 lakh bales, consisting of opening stock, total pressing & import. (SIS)▪️As on 30-April-2026 stock with the mills is found to the tune of 98.00 lakh bales where as with CCI/MFED MNCS, Ginner , Treaders and Exporters it comes around 108.73 lakh bales.▪️Better cotton prices and higher farmer income may boost India’s cotton sowing area by around 7% in ensuing season.read more:- Indian Rupee Opens 7 Paise Lower Against US Dollar at 95.75

The Rupee opened 7 paise lower at 95.75 against the USD.On Wednesday, the Indian Rupee opened 7 paise lower against the Dollar at 95.75, whereas it had closed at 95.68 on Tuesday.Read more:-   The rupee slipped by 29 paise to close at 95.68 against the US dollar.

On Tuesday, the Indian rupee declined by 29 paise to settle at 95.68 against the US dollar, after opening the session at 95.39.Meanwhile, domestic equity markets ended lower. The Sensex dropped 479.26 points, or 0.63 percent, to close at 76,009.70, while the Nifty fell 118 points, or 0.49 percent, to finish at 23,913.70.read more :- Rising Input Costs Pressure Gujarat Manufacturing Sector

Rising Costs Squeeze Margins in Gujarat's Manufacturing IndustryGujarat's manufacturing industry is currently spending more time grappling with rising input costs than focusing on expansion or securing new orders. Business owners across the textile, chemical, pharmaceutical, and real estate sectors report that a persistent rise in raw material prices, coupled with sluggish demand, has made it increasingly difficult to sustain profit margins.While many companies are attempting to gradually hike prices, a significant portion of the MSME sector is unable to pass the entire burden of these rising costs onto their customers. The repercussions of this situation are manifesting as project delays, reduced production volumes, and inflationary pressures rippling across the entire industrial value chain.The textile industry, in particular, is under severe strain. Soaring prices for cotton yarn and crude-linked chemicals, combined with elevated fuel costs, have rapidly driven up production expenses. Over the past few weeks, a scarcity of yarn availability and rising processing charges have also led to an increase in fabric prices, ranging from approximately ₹10 to ₹25 per meter.According to industry sources, robust export demand from China has pushed cotton yarn prices to a four-year high, while geopolitical tensions in West Asia have further inflated the cost of crude-based inputs essential for dyeing and processing operations. Furthermore, yarn shortages within powerloom units have curtailed production—a factor that has further exacerbated the supply crunch.Although exporters had anticipated benefiting from the depreciation of the Indian Rupee, high shipping costs and persistent demands for price discounts from buyers have largely eroded this potential advantage. Industry representatives state that, owing to the dual pressures of escalating costs and uncertain market demand, many manufacturing units are being compelled to halt production, despite holding existing orders.Meanwhile, calls to abolish the 11% import duty on cotton have intensified, with stakeholders arguing that such a measure is crucial to lower raw material costs and help maintain global competitiveness.read more :- Kharif Sowing Hit by Diesel and Water Crisis in Maharashtra, Gujarat

Kharif Sowing Under Threat as Diesel Crunch and Water Shortage Hit Farmers in Maharashtra, GujaratAs the Kharif sowing season approaches, farmers in Maharashtra and Gujarat are grappling with diesel supply disruptions and water shortages, raising fears of a severe impact on agricultural production this year. Despite repeated assurances from governments and oil companies that fuel stocks are adequate, growers across rural regions continue to face long queues, supply caps, and delays in accessing diesel essential for tractors, irrigation pumps, and transport vehicles.In Maharashtra, particularly in Marathwada and parts of Pune district, farmers’ organisations have warned that continued disruption in diesel availability during the next 10–15 days could badly affect sowing operations. Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana founder Raju Shetti said the period before monsoon arrival is crucial for land preparation and sowing, and any interruption in fuel supply may lead to major crop losses. Farmer groups have threatened statewide protests if the situation is not resolved quickly.The crisis has deepened with water scarcity in Pune’s Indapur tehsil, where farmers staged protests against inadequate release of water from the Khadakwasla canal system. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne acknowledged mismanagement by the irrigation department and assured increased water release after meeting protesting farmers.Meanwhile, in Gujarat, panic buying has led to long lines of tractors at diesel pumps in rural districts such as Porbandar. The state government has imposed a 200-litre cap per farmer to prevent hoarding, requiring proof of land ownership before fuel purchase. Petroleum dealers say there is no actual shortage, but regulated supply and increased seasonal demand have triggered temporary dry-outs at remote outlets.Farmer leaders warn that rising fuel stress, combined with erratic rainfall concerns, could hurt the upcoming Kharif cycle and agricultural growth across western India.read more :- Maharashtra Expects 12% Lower Rainfall During Kharif Season Due to El Niño

Lower Rainfall Forecast for Maharashtra Due to El NiñoDue to the influence of El Niño, it is anticipated that rainfall in Maharashtra during the upcoming Kharif season will be approximately 12% lower than normal. During a state-level pre-Kharif review meeting held on Thursday (May 21, 2026), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the state is projected to receive an average of 88% of its normal rainfall this year. While some regions may experience higher rainfall, areas such as Western Vidarbha and Marathwada are likely to face challenging conditions due to a deficit in precipitation.The Chief Minister informed that the state government is implementing technology-based solutions to address the challenges posed by the low rainfall. Farmers will be provided with region-specific information regarding rainfall and weather conditions through mobile applications and AI-based systems. To this end, the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.The state government also announced that the process of waiving farmers' loans will be completed before June 30. This initiative is being implemented under the "Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana" (Farmers' Loan Waiver Scheme), which was announced during the State Budget presentation in March 2026. Under this scheme, crop loans of up to ₹2 lakh will be waived for farmers, while farmers who have been regular in repaying their loans will receive an incentive of ₹50,000.During the meeting, banks were also directed to increase credit disbursement within the agricultural sector. The Chief Minister urged nationalized banks to extend more crop loans to farmers and to waive the mandatory requirement of a CIBIL score for loan approval. Furthermore, Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to integrate the Bharat Forecast System (BharatFS) into its disaster management framework.read more :- Agricultural Science: Measures to Protect the Cotton Crop from Severe Heatwaves and High Temperatures

Agricultural Science: Advisory on Protecting Cotton Crops from HeatwavesAmidst the continuously escalating severe heat and intense heatwaves in Hanumangarh, the Department of Agriculture has issued a special advisory to farmers regarding the protection of their cotton crops. This season, cotton sowing in the district has proceeded at a rapid pace, with sowing operations already completed across an area of approximately one lakh hectares. However, due to rising temperatures and hot winds, reports have begun to emerge from several regions regarding the wilting and weakening of sprouted seedlings. Officials from the Department of Agriculture have visited various villages to inspect the impact of the heatwave on the new crop.Dr. Pramod Kumar, Joint Director of Agriculture (Extension), has appealed to farmers to align their farming activities with the prevailing weather conditions and to adopt scientific methods. He emphasized that light irrigation is crucial in the fields to mitigate the adverse effects of the intense heat. Farmers equipped with sprinkler irrigation systems are advised to irrigate using the sprinkler method at three-day intervals; this ensures that soil moisture is maintained and provides relief to the plants from the heat stress.The Department of Agriculture has advised against the use of any type of fertilizer for the time being. According to officials, sowing should ideally be undertaken only after deep plowing of the field and pre-sowing irrigation (known as paleva) using canal water. Farmers engaging in late sowing can minimize the impact of hot winds by planting two rows of fodder crops along the perimeter of their fields.Furthermore, the advisory recommends lightly spraying water using tractor-mounted sprayers during the afternoon hours, as well as scheduling plowing and sowing operations for the evening. The department has identified the adoption of the furrow or bed method as being particularly beneficial for the cultivation of BT cotton.read more :- India Targets $100 Billion Textile Exports by 2030 at TEXPROCIL Awards

Emphasis on India's $100 Billion Textile Export Target at TEXPROCIL Awards CeremonyExporters demonstrating outstanding performance in India's cotton textile export sector were honored at the TEXPROCIL Export Awards 2023–24 ceremony, organized by TEXPROCIL in Mumbai. The event was presided over by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman. During the ceremony, TEXPROCIL awards were presented to exporters who made exceptional contributions in the areas of export performance, job creation, innovation, ESG initiatives, and e-commerce.On this occasion, the Finance Minister also launched the "Advanced Certificate Program in International Trade" (ACPIT). This initiative by TEXPROCIL has been introduced with the objective of strengthening India's export ecosystem and enhancing its competitiveness in global trade. The program has been designed to align with various government schemes and policy initiatives.In her address, Mrs. Sitharaman emphasized the need to empower the entire textile value chain—spanning "from farm to fiber, from factory to fashion, and to foreign markets." Citing India's ancient weaving and textile traditions, she noted that this heritage continues to reinforce the country's global identity to this day. She reiterated the target of boosting India's textile exports to US$ 100 billion and total textile production to US$ 250 billion by the year 2030.The Finance Minister highlighted that India currently stands as the world's sixth-largest textile exporter. This sector directly and indirectly employs approximately 60 million people, contributes about 2.3 percent to the GDP, and accounts for a share of roughly 12 percent in the country's total export earnings.Vijay Agarwal, Chairman of TEXPROCIL, stated that the 2,000 exporters affiliated with the Council contribute approximately US$ 11 billion to exports and serve as the source of livelihood for nearly 35 million people. He also underscored the necessity of strengthening India's sustainable textile identity on the global stage through the "Kasturi Cotton" brand.read more :- CCI Cotton Sales Cross 70.33 Lakh Bales; Maharashtra, Telangana Lead 2025–26 Season

State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 SeasonThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) reduced its cotton candy prices by upto ₹700 per candy during this week . CCI has sold approximately 70,33,300 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.read more:- Indian Rupee Opens 16 Paise Lower Against US Dollar at 95.39