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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