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Partnership between CITI, ICAC, and Merago to Benefit Cotton Farmers through Carbon CreditsChennai: The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and the technology company Merago Inc. The partnership aims to develop carbon credit projects based on regenerative agriculture practices. This initiative will promote sustainable cotton production in India and provide cotton farmers with an opportunity to earn additional income through carbon credits.Under the agreement, ICAC will serve as the project's lead technical partner, providing farmers with modern agricultural techniques, training, technical expertise, and necessary consultancy. Meanwhile, CITI–Cotton Development and Research Association (CITI-CDRA) and associated farmers will adopt regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil health and enhance carbon sequestration.The project involves producing biochar and compost from agricultural residues (biomass) for use in cotton fields. These techniques will improve soil fertility and organic quality, increase carbon storage, and help reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Additionally, the initiative is considered significant for boosting long-term cotton productivity and making farming more sustainable.Merago Inc. will provide the digital technology platform for project implementation and manage carbon assets. On the other hand, CITI-CDRA will lead the efforts to onboard farmers, provide training, and ensure effective implementation at the grassroots level.The development, verification, and transfer of carbon credits generated under the project will be carried out in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, applicable Indian laws, and regulatory provisions governing carbon markets. All records related to verified emission reductions and carbon removals will be registered in the national carbon registry. Upon receiving regulatory approvals, a designated portion of the verified carbon removal will be certified as transferable carbon credits for domestic and international carbon markets. Merago Inc. will manage the commercialization of these credits, while the proceeds will be distributed among CITI, ICAC, and the participating farmers in accordance with a pre-determined revenue-sharing arrangement.Experts believe that this initiative could create a new income stream for farmers. Furthermore, it will promote climate-friendly agriculture in India, improve soil quality, and strengthen India's position in sustainable cotton production on a global scale. If this model proves successful, it could be implemented on a larger scale across other cotton-producing states in the future, thereby offering a greater number of farmers the opportunity to engage with carbon markets and earn additional income.read more :- UK-India FTA Boosts Textile Exports

UK-India FTA offers Indian textile industry opportunity for up to $1 billion in additional exports: Ind-RaNew Delhi: India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has stated that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (UK-India FTA) could offer significant growth opportunities for the Indian textile industry in the medium to long term. According to the agency, the agreement could pave the way for up to $1 billion in additional exports for Indian textile exporters, further strengthening India's competitive position in the global market.According to the Ind-Ra report, the FTA will enhance the competitiveness of Indian textile products in the UK market and improve market share. However, the actual benefits will depend on how effectively Indian companies implement measures regarding production capacity expansion, cost management, regulatory compliance, and financial discipline.The agency views the agreement as positive for the credit profiles of Indian textile exporters. However, the benefits will materialize in a phased manner, as boosting exports will require expanding production capacity, gaining buyer acceptance, efficiently managing working capital, and adhering to quality and regulatory standards.Rohit Sadaka, Director of Corporate Ratings at Ind-Ra, noted that large, integrated textile companies would be better positioned to capitalize on this opportunity due to their strong financial resources, established customer bases, and extensive production networks. Conversely, smaller companies could face increased leverage and liquidity pressures if they incur excessive debt to fund expansion.The United Kingdom is India's third-largest textile export market, accounting for approximately 6.1% of India's total textile exports. Meanwhile, textile imports into India from the UK represent less than 1% of domestic consumption. Currently, India holds a 6.9% share of the UK's textile import market. Ind-Ra estimates that if this market share rises to approximately 10%, it could generate additional export opportunities worth around $900 million for Indian companies.According to the report, the elimination of the 12% import tariff will significantly enhance the cost competitiveness of Indian apparel and home textile products. This could enable Indian exporters to gain market share from Chinese suppliers over time. However, competition from Bangladesh—driven by lower production costs and economies of scale—will remain a challenge.Ind-Ra believes that while the FTA will boost export competitiveness, the scope for an immediate, significant rise in profitability is limited. UK buyers may demand a portion of the tariff benefits in the form of lower prices, while rising costs related to fuel, electricity, freight, and shipping could continue to exert pressure on margins in the near term. Nevertheless, in the long run, increased export volumes, better capacity utilization, and improved operational efficiency are expected to strengthen both the profitability and global competitiveness of the Indian textile industry.read more :- The rupee opened flat against the dollar at 95.13

The rupee opened steady at 95.13 against the US dollar.On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened at 95.13 per dollar, whereas it had closed at 95.13 on Wednesday.The BSE Sensex opened at 78,782.43 on August 6, 2026 (up from the previous close of 78,581.00), tracking positive GIFT Nifty signals and stable global cues; however, regional markets remain cautious following recent pricing adjustments and ongoing oil-related developments in the Middle East.Read More :- Rupee slips 19 paise to settle at 95.11 against US dollar

The Indian rupee depreciated by 19 paise to close at 95.11 against the US dollar on Wednesday, weighed down by subdued market sentiment.The domestic currency opened at 94.92 and traded under pressure throughout the session before settling at 95.11, At close the Sensex rose 152.05 points, or 0.19 percent, to 78,581.00, while the Nifty gained 9.75 points, or 0.04 percent, to settle at 24,624.65. Market breadth remained positive, with 2,150 shares advancing against 1,762 declines. read more :- Govt Targets Higher Cotton Yield

Government Shifts Cotton Strategy to Focus on Productivity; Targets 755 kg/Hectare Yield by FY31New Delhi: The central government has shifted the focus of its cotton development strategy from crop protection to enhancing productivity. The objective is to boost domestic cotton production and reduce India's growing reliance on imports. Under the ₹5,659 crore 'Cotton Productivity Mission' (Kapas Kranti), the government aims to increase the average cotton yield from 428 kg per hectare in FY26 to 755 kg per hectare by FY31, targeting an annual increase of at least 50 kg per hectare.To be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the mission will prioritize high-density planting, high-yielding seed varieties, scientific farming practices, and farmer training. Officials noted that while significant efforts have been made in recent years to protect cotton crops from pests like the pink bollworm and whitefly, the next phase will focus on improving cultivation productivity.Although India has the largest area under cotton cultivation globally, its average yield remains significantly lower than the global average of 833 kg per hectare. Government data indicates that cotton yields have not seen substantial growth in recent years, highlighting the clear need for measures focused on productivity.This renewed emphasis comes at a time when domestic cotton production is steadily declining and imports are rising. Cotton production has dropped from 33.66 million bales in FY23 to an estimated 29.1 million bales in FY26, whereas annual domestic consumption is projected at 32.8 million bales. This has resulted in a supply deficit that is being met through imports. To bridge this gap, the government aims to increase cotton production to 49.8 million bales by FY31, while domestic consumption is projected to reach 45 million bales. This mission is expected to benefit approximately 3.2 million cotton farmers across the country's major cotton-producing states.Industry experts believe that improving cotton productivity is essential to strengthening India's textile sector and achieving the government's target of $100 billion in textile exports by 2030. Higher yields, superior quality cotton, competitive raw material prices, and reduced contamination levels will enhance India's competitiveness in global markets. Agreements with the United Kingdom and ongoing negotiations with the European Union are creating new trade opportunities; in this context, increased productivity will play a pivotal role in expanding India's share of the global cotton and textile trade.read more :- The rupee opened at 94.92 per dollar, registering a gain of 46 paise

The rupee opened 46 paise stronger against the dollar at 94.92.On Wednesday, the Indian rupee opened at 94.92 per dollar, registering a gain of 46 paise over its previous close of 95.38.On August 5, 2026, the BSE Sensex opened with gains and was trading around 78,835.78, up approximately 0.52%.Read More :-Advanced Technology Vital for Cotton

Advanced Technology Essential for India's Competitiveness in Cotton: Dr. ParodaNew Delhi: Expressing concern over India's growing import dependence in the cotton sector, eminent agricultural scientist Dr. R.S. Paroda has stated that promoting advanced agricultural technologies, biotechnology, and science-based policies is crucial to maintaining global competitiveness.Reacting to recent estimates by the Cotton Association of India (CAI), Dr. Paroda noted that the Indian cotton industry is facing several structural challenges. He emphasized the need for a long-term strategy to boost productivity, improve farmers' incomes, and strengthen the textile value chain.According to the CAI, India's cotton imports could reach approximately 6 million bales in the 2025-26 season, while exports are projected to decline to around 1.5 million bales. Domestic consumption estimates have been raised to 34.8 million bales, reflecting the widening gap between production and demand.Dr. Paroda stated that while India has long played a significant role in the global cotton market, challenges regarding productivity and competitiveness are mounting. He suggested that the sector could be strengthened through the adoption of new agricultural technologies and a transparent, science-based regulatory framework.He pointed out that several major cotton-producing nations have improved productivity through modern agricultural techniques and biotechnology-based solutions. Indian farmers, too, should have better access to scientifically proven new technologies.Dr. Paroda highlighted that the cotton sector supports the livelihoods of around 7 million farmers and provides vital raw material for the country's textile industry. He noted that improving productivity would not only boost farmers' incomes but also strengthen the entire cotton value chain.Describing the Cotton Mission as a positive step, he added that attention must also be paid to the role of advanced agricultural technologies within it. He said that India can further strengthen its position in the global cotton sector by promoting science-based policies and innovations.read more :- Nuvama Sees MMF Demand Rising

Declining Cotton Supply to Drive Demand for Man-Made Fibers: NuvamaNew Delhi: The continuous decline in India's cotton surplus is putting pressure on raw material availability for the textile industry. Consequently, demand for man-made fibers (MMF) is expected to rise in the coming years, likely accelerating investment and capacity expansion in this sector. This projection is made in a report by Nuvama Institutional Equities.According to the report, India's cotton market is shifting from a surplus position towards balanced supply. Cotton production is estimated to drop from 6.31 billion kg in the 2021 cotton season (CS) to approximately 4.95 billion kg in CS26. Meanwhile, cotton imports have risen from 0.26 billion kg to nearly 0.80 billion kg during the same period.Conversely, a sharp decline has been recorded in cotton exports. Exports are projected to fall from 1.28 billion kg in CS21 to around 0.20 billion kg in CS26. The report attributes the increased supply pressure in the cotton market to limited domestic availability and shifts in global demand.This shift has also impacted cotton prices. Prices for Shankar-6 cotton surged from ₹110 per kg in CS21 to ₹221 per kg in CS23. Although prices subsequently moderated to around ₹155 per kg, India's traditional price advantage has significantly eroded.Nuvama noted that the global cotton trade is also undergoing changes. Spinning mills in Bangladesh have emerged as major buyers of Indian raw cotton, while India is increasing imports of superior-quality staple cotton from the US and Australia due to insufficient domestic production.The report states that the margin regarding raw material availability for the spinning industry is steadily shrinking. Spinners may face increased margin pressure during years with poor harvests. However, for the textile industry, this shift could boost MMF-based production, and companies will need to diversify their fiber blends.According to Nuvama, India has long been a surplus producer offering cotton at prices 8–11% lower than the global market, but this competitive advantage has now largely eroded. The report notes that the parity between domestic and global cotton prices in FY26 has been primarily due to a temporary waiver of import duties.According to the report, the import duty waiver has been extended for a limited period. Nuvama believes this situation indicates that the government's primary focus has been on supporting farmers' incomes; meanwhile, to enhance their competitiveness, textile mills will need to shift towards alternative fiber sources.read more :- Cotton Sowing Tops 103.54 Lakh Ha

Cotton Sowing Reaches 103.54 Lakh Hectares by July 31; Oilseed Acreage IncreasesAccording to Kharif sowing data released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for the period ending July 31, 2026, cotton sowing in the country has covered 103.54 lakh hectares. This is 2.52 lakh hectares less than the 106.06 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year. Meanwhile, sowing has been completed on approximately 82.5% of the normal sown area of 125.51 lakh hectares.Concurrently, total oilseed sowing has been recorded at 172.32 lakh hectares, an increase of 1.19 lakh hectares compared to the 171.13 lakh hectares sown last year. This indicates that the acreage for oilseed crops this season has improved relative to the previous year.Among oilseed crops, soybean accounted for the largest area at 117.68 lakh hectares, which is 0.84 lakh hectares less than the 118.52 lakh hectares recorded last year. However, the decline has been marginal, and soybean continues to make the largest contribution to the total oilseed area.Additionally, groundnut sowing stood at 43.06 lakh hectares, up by 1.16 lakh hectares from last year's 41.90 lakh hectares. Sesame acreage was 9.27 lakh hectares, an increase of 1.10 lakh hectares over the previous year's 8.17 lakh hectares. Meanwhile, sunflower acreage stood at 0.98 lakh hectares, marking an increase of 0.40 lakh hectares compared to the 0.58 lakh hectares recorded last year.On the other hand, castor sowing stood at 1.13 lakh hectares, a decrease of 0.66 lakh hectares from the 1.79 lakh hectares recorded last year. The acreage for Niger also saw a marginal decline to 0.10 lakh hectares, while the area under other oilseed crops was recorded at 0.10 lakh hectares.With the monsoon becoming active across most parts of the country, further changes may be observed in the final sowing figures for cotton and oilseeds in the coming weeks. Currently, the total oilseed acreage exceeds that of the previous year, whereas the area under cotton and soybean remains lower compared to last year.read more :-Rupee slips 4 paise to close at 95.38 against US dollar

The Indian rupee weakened by 4 paise to settle at 95.38 against the US dollar on Tuesday, weighed down by subdued market sentiment.The domestic currency opened at 95.34 and remained under pressure throughout the trading session before ending at 95.38, down 4 paise from its previous close.Meanwhile, equity markets ended lower, with the Sensex declining 210.08 points, or 0.27 percent, to close at 78,428.95. The Nifty dropped 159.40 points, or 0.64 percent, to settle at 24,614.90.Market breadth remained nearly balanced, with 2,030 shares advancing, 2,037 declining, and 174 remaining unchanged.read more :- Rupee Opens Flat at 95.34 Against US Dollar

The rupee opened unchanged at 95.34 per dollar.The Indian stock market saw a mixed start to the session, with the two benchmark indices moving in opposite directions during early trade. The BSE Sensex rose by 120.46 points (0.15%) to reach 78,759.49, while the Nifty 50 fell by 171.45 points (0.69%) to 24,602.85.read more :- The rupee fell by 20 paise to close at 95.34.