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Cotton prices rise due to reduced cultivation area and higher global pricesIndian cotton prices have strengthened amidst a surge in global rates and concerns over reduced cultivation acreage caused by scanty rainfall. According to recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture, the area under cotton cultivation has dropped by 15 percent to 79.54 lakh hectares (lh) as of July 10, down from 93.95 lakh hectares previously.Over the past two days, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has raised its prices by ₹800 per candy (356 kg), while demand from both mills and traders remains robust.Ramanuj Das Boob, a sourcing agent in Raichur, said, "Market supply is low, and prices in New York have also risen; futures prices on the ICE have climbed from around 75-76 cents per pound to approximately 81-82 cents." He added, "Uncertainty regarding the upcoming crop due to the delayed monsoon is impacting the market." He further noted that the CCI is witnessing strong demand, with sales of 1.2 lakh bales on Monday and 1.5 lakh bales on Tuesday.Das Boob mentioned that multinational companies are also offloading their stocks, with their prices running about ₹1,000 per candy higher than the CCI's rates.He further stated that the cotton crops that have already sprouted require rainfall. "There is a lack of rain in parts of Karnataka and Telangana where sowing has already taken place. If it doesn't rain now, it could lead to difficulties," he said.Atul Ganatra, Chairman of the Crop Committee at the Cotton Association of India (CAI)—the apex body for the cotton trade—remains optimistic about cotton prospects despite concerns over deficient rainfall. He said, "El Niño will not impact the cotton crop. In fact, it will help increase the cotton sowing area. Lower rainfall will result in better yield, quality, and quantity."Ganatra stated, "Cotton sowing has been completed on approximately 8 million hectares so far, compared to 8.6 million hectares during the same period last year. Sowing will exceed 10 million hectares by July 25, as almost all cotton-growing regions have received good rainfall. Farmers are rapidly sowing cotton due to the current lull in the rains." In South India, the cotton acreage this year is 20 percent higher than last year. Ganatra added, "Due to the delayed rainfall, farmers are left with cotton sowing as their primary option. Consequently, total cotton sowing is expected to reach 12.5–13 million hectares, an increase of about 10–15 percent over last year."Ready AvailabilityGanatra noted that large mills are purchasing cotton at ₹64,000, even though they already hold stocks sufficient for 3–4 months. He said, "Since they had purchased at lower rates earlier, they are buying at current prices as well to average out their costs." Major Indian mills hold cotton stocks sufficient until November, with some holding supplies lasting until December 31.Rajkot-based broker Anand Popat stated in his weekly newsletter that overall cotton availability in India remains robust. However, premium-quality cotton is relatively scarce, and a significant portion of the available stock is held by the CCI and multinational trading companies. Popat remarked, "This could keep cotton prices firm for the remainder of the season."Daily cotton arrivals have dropped to approximately 7,000–8,000 bales. He stated that demand from spinning mills remains steady, while a gradual improvement in yarn demand has been observed in both domestic and export markets.READ MORE :- Rain Revives Narma Crop in Muklawa, Farmers Expect Better Yield

Rainfall Gives New Life to Narma Crop in Muklawa Region; Farmers Hope for Good YieldRecent good rainfall has greatly benefited the Narma (cotton) crop in the Muklawa region. Crop growth in the fields has accelerated, and the plants appear lush and green. Adequate moisture is fostering the development of new leaves, raising farmers' hopes for a better harvest.Farmers state that the timely rainfall has proven to be a lifeline for the crop. Previously, intense heat and a lack of moisture were hindering plant growth, but conditions in the fields have improved significantly following the rain. Flowering has also begun on the Narma plants in many fields. According to agricultural experts, balanced and timely rainfall is beneficial for the Narma crop; it enhances plant growth and increases yield potential. However, they have advised farmers to immediately drain any water that remains stagnant in the fields for extended periods to prevent root damage and ensure the crop remains healthy.Farmers reported that they are regularly monitoring the crop and preparing to implement necessary agricultural management practices to protect against pests and diseases. They believe that if the weather remains favorable in the coming days, there is a strong possibility of a good Narma harvest this year. READ MORE :- Rainfall Deficit Worries Cotton and Soybean Farmers in Yavatmal

Concerns Mount for Cotton and Soybean Farmers in the Mahan Area of Yavatmal District, Maharashtra, Due to a Break in RainfallMahan, Yavatmal (Maharashtra): Farmers in Mahan and surrounding areas are worried due to a lack of rainfall over the past week, following a spell of continuous rain in early July. While cotton farmers had swiftly completed weeding operations with the help of laborers during the rains that began on July 7, the current dry spell is raising concerns about the health of soybean and other Kharif crops.Continuous rainfall between July 1 and July 7 had disrupted field activities such as weeding, the application of chemical fertilizers, and other agricultural tasks. However, favorable weather conditions from the evening of July 7 through July 14 allowed farmers to complete most of the pending work. Although essential field operations are largely finished, timely rainfall remains crucial for the healthy growth of the crops.The absence of rain for the past eight days has left Kharif crops—including cotton, soybean, arhar (pigeon pea), jowar (sorghum), urad (black gram), and moong (green gram)—struggling with a lack of moisture. Soybean crops sown in the first week of July, in particular, are in urgent need of water at this stage. Rising temperatures and depleting soil moisture are causing soybean plants to wilt, further heightening farmers' anxiety.Farmers state that if good rainfall does not occur soon, the growth of major Kharif crops, including soybean, could be stunted, potentially impacting overall yields. Consequently, farmers in Mahan and the surrounding areas of Yavatmal district are anxiously looking to the skies, hoping for beneficial rain.READ MORE :- Gujarat: Farmers Re-sow Cotton Crop in Amreli After Heavy Rain Damage

Gujarat: Cotton Re-sowing in Amreli Following Heavy RainsAmreli (Gujarat): Heavy rainfall and waterlogging in the fields have caused significant damage to cotton sowing in Amreli district. With a large portion of the initial sowing ruined in several villages—including Keriya Chav—farmers have now set to work on re-sowing. Once the rains subsided, re-sowing operations were rapidly launched using farm laborers and agricultural machinery.According to farmers, incessant rain led to water accumulation in the fields, causing cotton seeds to get buried in the soil and preventing germination. Approximately 50 to 60 percent of the crop initially sown via tractor has been affected. Consequently, farmers are left with no option but to re-sow.Although field operations have resumed following the cessation of rain, farmers are grappling with mounting financial concerns. Re-sowing entails purchasing new seeds and incurring additional labor costs, effectively doubling the overall cultivation expenditure. Farmers are now working day and night in a race against time to save the crop.Farmer Hitendrabhai Malviya stated that the initial sowing yielded only about 40 percent success. Most of the crop was damaged due to heavy rain and waterlogging, necessitating re-sowing. He said, "I had initially sown cotton across 22 *bighas*, but following the losses, I am now re-sowing an area of 30 to 35 *bighas*."Farmers remain hopeful that if weather conditions stay favorable in the coming days, the re-sown cotton crop might help recoup some of the losses. However, the constantly changing weather and rising cultivation costs continue to weigh heavily on their minds.READ MORE :- Kharif Sowing Gains Momentum, Cotton and Oilseed Acreage Trails Last Year

Kharif sowing picks up pace, but cotton and oilseed acreage remains significantly lower than last yearThe activation of the southwest monsoon has accelerated Kharif crop sowing across the country; however, the sowing of cotton and oilseeds continues to lag behind last year's figures. According to the latest data released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare up to July 10, 2026, while increased rainfall in recent weeks has improved the pace of sowing, the acreage for these two major cash crops has yet to reach last year's levels.Government data indicates that oilseed sowing has covered 117.83 lakh hectares (11.78 million hectares), compared to 149.18 lakh hectares during the same period last year. This represents a decline of 31.35 lakh hectares, or approximately 21 percent, in total oilseed acreage. Among oilseed crops, soybean accounted for the largest share, with sowing recorded at 90.51 lakh hectares; this is down from 107.72 lakh hectares during the same period last year, marking a reduction of 17.21 lakh hectares. Similarly, groundnut acreage has dropped from 35.45 lakh hectares to 23.40 lakh hectares.Cotton sowing has been recorded at 79.54 lakh hectares (7.95 million hectares), down from 93.95 lakh hectares during the same period last year—a decrease of 14.41 lakh hectares, or approximately 15.3 percent. Although recent rains have accelerated sowing in major cotton-producing states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, the total area remains below last year's figures.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall activity is likely to remain relatively subdued over the next six to seven days across the plains of northwest India, west-central India, and the southern peninsular regions. Consequently, the pace of cotton and oilseed sowing in rain-fed areas could be affected.On the other hand, the water resource situation has improved. Water storage in the 166 major reservoirs monitored by the government rose to 32.38 percent of their live storage capacity by July 9, up from 26 percent a week earlier. Improved water availability is expected to benefit crops in irrigated areas.Experts believe that monsoon activity during the second half of July will be crucial for the sowing and potential output of cotton and oilseeds. If rainfall remains normal, the sowing gap could narrow further, whereas a prolonged weak monsoon could put pressure on the production of these two crops.READ MORE :- Rajasthan Targets 4x Textile Exports by 2030, Unveils Special Export Action Plan

Target to Quadruple Rajasthan's Textile Exports by 2030; Government Prepares Special Action PlanThe Rajasthan government has launched large-scale initiatives to establish the textile and apparel sector as a key pillar of the state's economy. In line with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's vision, the Department of Industries and Commerce has implemented approximately 15 new sector-specific policies. As part of this effort, a dedicated state-level textile cell has been constituted to ensure the effective implementation of the Rajasthan Textile and Apparel Policy-2025 and to boost investment.For the first time in the state, a textile export action plan has been formulated at both the state level and for 11 specific districts to promote exports. This plan encompasses the seven 'Champion Districts' identified by the Government of India—Ajmer, Bhilwara, Jaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, and Kota—along with four 'Aspirational Districts': Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Nagaur, and Churu.Industries and Commerce Commissioner Nilabh Saxena stated that the textile cell would work to understand the needs of industries in the state and provide them with necessary support. The cell will conduct regular visits to industrial areas to identify bottlenecks related to production and exports. Additionally, solutions will be devised through consultations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and exporters.He mentioned that the cell would study major textile hubs—both domestic and international—and disseminate information regarding the latest technologies to the industries. Efforts will be made to increase Rajasthan's participation in national and international textile exhibitions, alongside the collection and analysis of sector-related data. A proposal is also in place to organize a two-day textile summit in October of this year.The state government has designated the textile sector as a 'Thrust Sector' under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS), thereby offering additional incentives to industries in this field.According to Saxena, the Government of India has set a target to raise textile and apparel exports to US$ 100 billion by the year 2030. With this in mind, Rajasthan has set a target to increase its textile exports three- to four-fold.In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Rajasthan's total exports exceeded ₹97,171 crore, with the textile and allied sectors contributing approximately ₹13,500 crore. This accounts for more than 13 percent of the state's total exports.Rajasthan ranks first in the country in wool production, contributing nearly 47 percent, while it holds the fifth position in cotton production. Currently, over 1,800 textile and apparel units are operational in the state. Rajasthan's textile industry enjoys a distinct identity in the international market, driven by hand-block printing, traditional techniques, and a diverse range of textile products. The government is now moving towards further strengthening this sector on a global scale through investments, technology, and the expansion of exports.READ MORE :- Rupee opened 3 paise stronger at 96.17 against the US dollar

The rupee opened higher at 96.17/$.The Indian rupee opened 3 paise higher at 96.17 against the dollar on Wednesday, compared to its closing at 96.20 on Tuesday.The Sensex rose 520.41 points, or 0.68 percent, to 77,575.34, while the broader Nifty rose 159.7 points, or 0.66 percent, to 24,211.75.Read more :-  Karnataka BJP Seeks Farmer Relief

Demand for ₹50,000 per acre compensation for drought-hit farmers; B.Y. Vijayendra targets Karnataka governmentKarnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has launched a scathing attack on the state's Congress government regarding the drought situation in the North Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka regions. He alleged that the government is not taking the plight of drought-stricken farmers seriously and has failed to provide immediate financial assistance to those affected.During a press briefing held at the airport on July 13, Vijayendra highlighted the dire situation of farmers in several districts, including Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Yadgir. He stated that agricultural activities have been severely impacted due to a significant rainfall deficit in these areas. According to him, rainfall has been far below normal in many regions, preventing farmers from even undertaking sowing operations.Vijayendra claimed that cultivation could not take place on over 30 lakh hectares of agricultural land due to the lack of rain. He noted that major crops such as pigeon pea (tur), sunflower, and cotton have been affected, directly impacting farmers' incomes and leaving many families facing a financial crisis.He demanded that the state government provide compensation of at least ₹50,000 per acre to the drought-affected farmers. Dismissing Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's recent visit to Basavakalyan as "merely a photo op," Vijayendra asserted that the government must take concrete steps to assist farmers at the grassroots level.The BJP leader also referred to the initiatives undertaken by the previous BJP government led by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. He mentioned that projects worth approximately ₹500 crore were launched for the region's development at that time, with funds of ₹100 crore and ₹200 crore released in phases. Vijayendra alleged that the current Congress government has been neglecting these schemes for the past three years.He urged the Chief Minister to immediately release the pending funds and prioritize development works. Addressing questions about alleged internal rifts within the Bidar district BJP, Vijayendra stated that the party would resolve all local issues through dialogue and mutual consensus. He dismissed allegations of any "adjustment politics" between BJP MLAs and the Congress, asserting that the BJP is playing the role of a strong opposition dedicated to the interests of the public and the farming community.In view of the upcoming Zilla Panchayat and local body elections, Vijayendra emphasized the need to further energize the organization. He stated that strategies regarding election preparations and issues concerning farmers would be formulated through consultations with district leaders, MLAs, and senior office-bearers.read more :-The rupee settled 26 paise lower at 96.20 against the US dollar.

On Tuesday, the Indian rupee opened at 95.94 against the US dollar and settled at 96.20, ending the trading session 26 paise lower.At close, the Sensex was down 561.46 points or 0.72 percent at 77,054.94, and the Nifty was down 158.95 points or 0.66 percent at 24,052.05. About 1422 shares advanced, 2632 shares declined, and 190 shares unchanged.read more :- State-wise CCI Cotton Sales

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 81,86,800 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.

Cotton Acreage Shrinks in Maharashtra's Khandesh; Farmers Shift Towards Maize and SoybeanJalgaon/Maharashtra: A significant shift in cropping patterns is being observed in Maharashtra's Khandesh region during this year's Kharif season. While sowing for Kharif crops is nearly 81 percent complete, the area under cotton cultivation is steadily declining. Due to rising cultivation costs, weak market prices, and increasing pest infestations, farmers are now turning towards alternative crops such as maize, soybean, and *arhar* (tur/pigeon pea).Specifically, the cotton cultivation area in Jalgaon district has decreased by approximately 25,000 hectares compared to the previous season. While cotton was cultivated on about 5.11 lakh hectares in the district during 2024-25, this figure has dropped to around 4.55 lakh hectares this year.According to Agriculture Department data, cotton acreage has declined in other districts of Khandesh as well. In Dhule district, cotton is being cultivated on approximately 1.75 lakh hectares this year, down from nearly 2 lakh hectares in the previous season. Meanwhile, in Nandurbar district, the cotton area has shrunk to about 85,000 hectares, compared to over 97,000 hectares last year.Farmers state that while the cost of cotton cultivation keeps rising, market prices are not commensurate with production levels. Escalating costs of labor, fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides have driven up expenses. Additionally, the menace of the pink bollworm and changing weather patterns have further compounded concerns for cotton growers.A delay in monsoon rains has also compelled many farmers to opt for alternative crops. This shift is reflected in the increased acreage for maize and other Kharif crops; in Jalgaon district alone, the area under maize cultivation has expanded by approximately 10,000 hectares. Agricultural experts believe that, given the current circumstances, the total area under cotton cultivation across the Khandesh region could remain below 8 lakh hectares this year. Farmers are now altering their crop choices by taking into account costs, risks, and market prospects.READ MORE :- Rupee Opens 32 Paise Lower at 95.94 Against US Dollar