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Punjab's cotton industry in crisis due to shortage of raw materials, huge decline in productionPunjab's cotton-based industry is currently going through a serious raw material crisis. Punjab, which was once one of the major cotton producing states of the country, now has to depend on states like Maharashtra and Gujarat due to decline in local production.At one time, cotton was cultivated in more than 7 lakh hectares in the state, which has now reduced to about 1.2 lakh hectares. In 2019 this area was 3.35 lakh hectares. According to experts, the main reasons for the decline in cotton cultivation are pest infestation, low yields and increasing trend of farmers towards other crops.Industry representatives say that lack of improved and disease-resistant seeds in Punjab is also a major reason for declining production. On the contrary, in states like Maharashtra, more production is being achieved with the help of modern seeds.According to the data, around 1.15 crore bales of cotton were produced in Maharashtra this season, while in Punjab it was limited to only 1.5 lakh bales. For this reason, the ginning and spinning units of the state have to import raw materials from outside.The shortage of cotton has had a direct impact on the industry. While earlier there were 422 ginning units in Punjab, now their number has come down to just 25. Many units have closed down and some industries have shifted to other states.To improve the situation, the state government has announced 33% subsidy on certified cotton seeds and has set a target of increasing the area to 1.25 lakh hectares by 2026. The government is also appealing to farmers to adopt cotton instead of paddy.read more :- Rajasthan: Change in Weather Benefits Cotton Crop

Strong storm and rain in Bambalu-Sarupasar of Rajasthan: relief from heat, benefit to cotton cropThe weather suddenly changed in Bambalu and Sarupsar areas on Tuesday night, which brought great relief to the people suffering from the scorching heat. In both the areas, rain was recorded along with strong winds and dusty storms, which not only brought down the temperature but also proved beneficial for the crops of the farmers.There was heavy rain with strong winds for about half an hour in Bambalu village, due to which the roads were flooded and the weather became pleasant. At the same time, in Sarupsar at around 11:30 pm, a dust storm occurred at a speed of 35-40 km per hour, after which there was light to moderate rain for 15-20 minutes. People suffering from 40°C temperature and heat wave throughout the day got a lot of relief from this change.According to farmers, at this time cotton and Narma crops were in dire need of water. Rain has increased moisture in the fields, which will help in crop growth and production is expected to be better. Besides, the expenditure on irrigation will also reduce.However, due to strong winds, there are reports of tree branches breaking at some places and minor disruption in power supply. During the storm in Sarupsar, lightning also flashed, due to which people remained alert for some time.An alert of storm and rain had already been issued by the administration. The weather cleared on Wednesday morning, although there is a possibility of strong sunlight again during the day.Welcoming this change in the weather, the villagers have expressed the hope that such rains will continue from time to time in future also, which will benefit the crops and provide relief from the heat.read more :- Tamil Nadu: Rising Costs, Declining Profits—Farmers in Perambalur Distressed

Tamil Nadu: Cotton farmers in Perambalur troubled by rising costs and declining profitsCotton farmers in Perambalur district of Tamil Nadu are facing serious crisis due to rising costs and declining profits. The continuous rise in labor wages, prices of pesticides and fertilizers has made farming expensive, leading many farmers to stay away from this crop.Cotton cultivation, once spread over about 5,000 hectares in the Veppanathatai, Veppur and Alathur areas, has now shrunk to about 2,000 acres. Farmers say cotton, once considered a source of stable income, has now become risky and less profitable.Although the minimum support price of cotton is fixed at ₹ 8,110 per quintal, its price in the market is only around ₹ 7,900 per quintal. Despite average production of about 8 quintals per acre, farmers are not able to get adequate profits due to rising costs.Labor shortage has further complicated the situation. More laborers are required for operations like sowing, weeding and harvesting, but due to low availability wages have reached ₹500 to ₹700 per day. Due to this, many farmers are forced to work hard in the fields themselves.Additionally, due to increasing pest attacks, the use of chemical pesticides has also increased, further increasing the costs. Increasing dependence on fertilizers also increases economic pressure. Experts believe that prolonged excessive use of pesticides has also affected soil fertility.Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam District President N. According to Chelladurai, farmers are not able to get better prices for their produce due to lack of direct procurement centers in the district.Due to these circumstances, many farmers are now turning to alternative crops like maize instead of cotton, which are considered to be relatively lower cost and less risky.read more :- The rupee opened at 95.02 down 17 paise.

The rupee opened at 95.02/USD, a decline of 17 paise.On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened at 95.02 against the dollar a decline of 17 paise whereas it had closed at 94.85 on Wednesday.Read more:- The Rupee fell by 11 paise to close at 94.85 per dollar.

On Wednesday, the Indian Rupee fell by 11 paise to close at 94.85 per dollar, while it had opened at 94.74 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 609.45 points or 0.79 percent at 77,496.36, and the Nifty was up 181.95 points or 0.76 percent at 24,177.65. About 2010 shares advanced, 2047 shares declined, and 157 shares unchanged.read more :- Consideration of Cotton Import Duty Cut: Relief for the Textile Industry

Relief to textile industry: Consideration of reduction in cotton import dutyNew Delhi: The central government is considering measures to provide relief to the domestic textile industry amid supply chain disruptions and rising raw material prices arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In this sequence, a proposal to reduce or completely abolish customs duty on import of raw cotton is under discussion.India's textile industry is mainly dependent on domestic cotton, but imports from the US, Egypt, Australia and to some extent Brazil to meet the need of long staple cotton. According to Bipin Menon, Trade Advisor to the Textiles Ministry, discussions are ongoing with the Agriculture Ministry and the Revenue Department on this issue.The ministry also proposes to remove 2.5% import duty on rayon-grade wood pulp used in the production of viscose staple fiber (VSF) and filament yarn. This pulp is highly purified cellulose obtained from wood, which is an important raw material in the manufacture of man-made fibres. However, Menon clarified that the challenges faced in its supply are not directly related to the conflict in West Asia, so a decision on this can be taken later.Currently, 5% customs duty is applicable on raw cotton, which was temporarily removed between August to December 2025. The government is now considering giving relief again in view of the current situation of the industry.Due to weakness in global demand, India's readymade garment exports are likely to decline to $15.77 billion in fiscal year 2026. In such a situation, experts believe that reduction in duty will reduce the cost of raw materials, improve dividends and increase export competitiveness.The move could prove crucial for the textile sector, which contributes 8–10% of the country's total exports, especially as the government aims to take exports to $100 billion by 2030.read more :- Cotton Duty Cut Dispute: Concerns Over Farmers' Interests

Trade Divided Over Cotton Duty Cut; Risks Identified for Farmers: CCIDifferences regarding a reduction in cotton import duties appear to be deepening. While millers and the textile industry are demanding a duty cut in light of rising domestic prices, a section of the trading community has termed this a risky move for farmers.Currently, an import duty of approximately 11% is applicable on cotton in India, effective since January 1, 2026. Although the government and the industry are considering a reduction in this duty due to a sharp surge in prices, many traders remain opposed to the idea. They believe that lowering the duty at this juncture could adversely affect the interests of farmers.According to traders, many farmers are currently withholding their produce in the hope of securing better prices—a stock estimated to amount to approximately 4 million bales (one bale = 170 kilograms). Under these circumstances, if imports become cheaper, it would exert downward pressure on prices in the domestic market, potentially causing financial losses for farmers.A senior trader warned that on the previous occasion when import duties were reduced, nearly 3 million bales of cotton were imported within a span of just three months. Consequently, domestic demand began to be met through imports, forcing farmers to sell their crops below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).Experts believe that if the duty is reduced under the current circumstances as well, a similar situation could recur—particularly for those farmers who have held back their produce in anticipation of better prices.read more :- The rupee opened at 94.74 down 20 paise.

The rupee opened at 94.74/USD a decline of 20 paise.On Wednesday, the Indian rupee opened at 94.74 against the dollar a decline of 20 paise whereas it had closed at 94.54 on Tuesday.Read more:- The rupee slipped 17 paise to end at 94.54 per dollar.

The Indian rupee weakened by 17 paise to close at 94.54 per US dollar on Tuesday, compared with its opening level of 94.37 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 416.72 points or 0.54 percent at 76,886.91, and the Nifty was down 97 points or 0.40 percent at 23,995.70. About 1923 shares advanced, 2157 shares declined, and 157 shares unchanged.read more :- New Opportunities for Development and Investment in the Textile Industry at VGRC Surat

New opportunities for development and investment of textile industry in VGRC SuratAccording to the Gujarat government, the 'Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC)' to be organized at Auro University in Surat on May 1 and 2 will give a new direction to the industrial development of South Gujarat. The conference specifically focuses on increasing investment in the textile industry, connecting global buyers and local manufacturers and promoting exchange of new technologies and innovations.Located on the banks of the Tapi River, Surat has historically been a major trading centre. It was famous for silk trade in the 16th century and today it is known as the world's leading 'Silk City' and India's largest man-made fiber (MMF) hub. According to the state government, Surat produces about 90% of India's artificial silk and has a 65% share in the country's MMF sector.The industry contributes significantly to the state's economy with an annual turnover of approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore and 18–20 lakh employment opportunities. Crores of meters of cloth are produced every day in Surat and are exported from here all over the world.VGRC is expected to increase FDI, strengthen technical cooperation and further empower Surat as a global textile hub.read more :- CCI Hikes Cotton Prices by ₹600–₹1,000; Auction Sales Cross 3.92 Lakh Bales

CCI Hikes Cotton Prices by ₹600- ₹1000 per Candy; Weekly Auction Sales Cross 3.92 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised its cotton prices by ₹600- ₹1000 per candy during previous week from April 20 to April 24, 2026, the auctions witnessed participation from mills and cotton traders, resulting in robust weekly sales of about 3,92,700 bales from the 2025–26 season.Day-wise Auction HighlightsApril 20, (Monday):The week began on a strong note, recording the highest single-day sale of 1,49,100 bales. Traders dominated purchases with 93,200 bales, while mills bought 55,900 bales.April 21, (Wednesday):Sales moderated to 91,000 bales. Mills purchased 35,300 bales, while traders accounted for 55,700 bales.April 22, (Thursday):Auction activity picked up again, with the sales of 1,08,100 bales. Mills purchased 27,000 bales, and traders bought 81,100 bales.April 23, (Thursday):A total of 23,400 bales were reported sold during the day. Mills purchased 14,600 bales while traders bought 8,800 bales.April 24, (Friday):The week concluded with sales of 21,100 bales. Mills purchased 10,100 bales, while traders bought 11,000 bales.Cumulative Sales Update:2025–26 Season: 57,59,000 bales