Cotton sowing continues to decline, government policies have reduced farmers' interest.While cotton farmers across the country are in an uproar over falling prices, this is directly impacting the area under cotton cultivation. According to data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, cotton, India's primary Kharif crop, has been experiencing a steady decline for the past two years. According to government data, cotton was sown on 12.95 million hectares annually during the Kharif season from 2019-20 to 2023-24, which declined to 11.295 million hectares in 2024-25.According to the latest data on estimated sowing for this year's Kharif season, the acreage has declined by 2.97 million hectares (approximately 300,000 hectares) to 10.998 million hectares. If government policies remain unchanged, a significant decline in sowing and production is expected in the coming years.Farmers hit by the removal of import dutyThe central government has removed the 11 percent import duty currently imposed on cotton imports, making imports of foreign cotton cheaper, and importers/traders are showing interest in purchasing foreign cotton. Meanwhile, farmers are forced to sell their produce at significantly lower prices than the MSP for the traders and mills that are purchasing domestic cotton.Farmers are reluctant to grow cotton due to the central government's attitudeThis central government's attitude is taking a toll on cotton farmers, and they are gradually withdrawing from cotton cultivation. Farmers are choosing crops that offer reasonable profits instead of cotton. Cotton prices are not the only factor that is dissuading farmers from growing cotton. In recent years, pink bollworms, whiteflies, and weather conditions have also caused concern for farmers. These factors are driving farmers to shift to other crops.Punjab Farmers Not Getting Fair PricesRecent media reports revealed that nearly 80 percent of cotton sold in Punjab's mandis in the past few weeks was sold at prices ₹1,000 or more below the MSP, resulting in significant losses for farmers. Furthermore, the lack of government procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has contributed to this decline in prices in Punjab, as the entire market is controlled by private traders.Cotton Production in These StatesGujarat, Maharashtra (especially the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions), and Telangana are the major cotton producers in India. Cotton is also produced in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh holds a special place in organic cotton production, producing 40 percent of the country's total organic cotton.read more :- 60 lakh hectares of crops destroyed, decision on aid will be taken: Shinde
Floods in Maharashtra have affected crops on nearly 6 million hectares, Shinde said on Tuesday.Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Tuesday that crops on more than 6 million hectares in the state are estimated to have been damaged due to heavy rains and subsequent floods, and a decision on providing financial assistance to farmers will be taken in the next few days.Last week's torrential rains and floods in Maharashtra damaged crops on millions of acres, including eight districts in the Marathwada region and Solapur, Satara, and Sangli in western Maharashtra.Addressing a press conference here, Shinde said, "We will not hesitate to help farmers. We believe that rules and norms should be set aside when helping farmers and we should stand behind them. Whenever such losses occur, it is the government's responsibility to help people in such a disaster."He said, "Not only have the rains damaged crops, but the floods have also washed away fertile soil from the fields." Farms and homes have also been affected."The Deputy Chief Minister said that panchnama reports have started coming in, and it is estimated that crops on more than 6 million hectares in the state have been damaged.He said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and he himself will discuss the matter and decide on providing assistance to farmers within two to three days.Shinde said, "The central and state governments stand with the farmers. Now is the time to wipe away their tears."The Shiv Sena leader said he has instructed Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar to ensure that infectious diseases do not spread in the flood-affected districts.read more:- CCI to procure cotton at MSP at 14 centres from October 1
CCI to start cotton procurement at MSP from Oct 1 at 14 centres₹7,710 per quintal for medium-staple cotton and ₹8,110 per quintal for high-quality cotton.The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), a central agency, will begin cotton procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at 14 locations in five districts of the semi-arid region from Wednesday. Bathinda and Muktsar will have a maximum of four centers each, followed by three in Mansa and one in Fazilka. The CCI will open a market in Barnala.(SIS)The CCI enters the market only when private buyers offer prices below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). According to Punjab Mandi Board data, about 30,000 quintals of cotton had arrived in the South Malwa districts as of Tuesday.Stakeholders said the CCI's arrival could stabilize cotton prices, as farmers are being paid ₹6,800-7,000 per quintal, which is ₹1,000-1,200 less than this season's MSP.For the current Rabi marketing season, the central government has fixed the price at ₹7,710 per quintal for medium-staple cotton and ₹8,110 per quintal for better-quality cotton.(SIS)State and CCI officials attributed this to the low prices and high moisture content of unginned cotton (raw crop that still contains seeds) brought to the market by farmers.Experts say the decline in demand from the textile sector in the Indian and global markets has destabilized the market, and the CCI's arrival is expected to improve prices.New App for Seamless ProcurementOfficial sources said that a new mobile application, the "Cotton Farmer" app, developed by the Central Council of Trade Unions (CCI), has been launched to ensure transparent and seamless procurement of the cash crop. The CCI has extended the registration period until October 31.The new mobile app allows farmers to self-register, book slots, and track payments. Officials stated, "This app facilitates payment tracking by farmers, bringing greater transparency, convenience, and speed to the cotton procurement process."Mandi Board data shows that 46%, or 13,000 quintals, of the total cotton crop was procured below the MSP.(SIS)CCI officials stated that cotton was sown on 1.19 lakh hectares this year, and the state agriculture department estimates production at 2.80 lakh bales, or 12.45 lakh quintals.However, Mukul Tayal, President of the Indian Cotton Association Limited (ICAL), said that unseasonal rains have severely affected the cotton crop."According to our estimates, Punjab will produce 1.50 lakh bales or 6.67 quintals of cotton as rains have hampered the prospects of a good harvest. Cotton is being sold at a lower price in the initial stages as the crop brought to the market has high moisture content due to unseasonal rains. We hope that the CCI will play a key role in stabilizing the downward trend in prices by private traders," Tayal said.Cotton arrivals (till September 29): 30,000 quintals(SIS)Purchased by private players: 28,000 quintalsBelow MSP: 13,000 quintalsDistrict-wise arrivalsFazilka 16,000 quintalsBathinda 6,000 quintalsMansa 5,000 quintalsMuktsar 3,000 quintalsCCI centersBathinda 4 Muktsar 4 Mansa 3Fazilka 2 Barnala 1read more :- INR Opens Stronger by 04 Paise at 88.77
Rupee opens 04 paise up at 88.77 on easing dollar indexThe currency opened at 88.77 against the dollar. The rupee had ended the previous session at 88.81.
Rupee Falls to 88.81/$At market close, the Sensex was down 1.75 points or 0.00 percent at 80,363.19, and the Nifty was down 7.40 points or 0.03 percent at 24,627.50. About 1813 shares advanced, 1895 shares declined, and 138 shares remained unchanged.Read More:- CCI-ginning mill dispute leaves cotton farmers confused
Cotton farmers in a quandary due to a lack of agreement between the CCI and ginning millsGuntur: The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has been unable to reach an agreement with ginning mills to open procurement centers for the upcoming season. This has left cotton farmers in a state of deep confusion and anxiety.The CCI has twice extended the deadline for finalizing bids through tenders, but no concrete solution has yet been reached. Meanwhile, ginning mill management is adamant on demanding revisions to the tender conditions and has boycotted the tender process.Farmers fear that cotton prices may fall further during the peak season, so they are trying to sell their stocks early. The situation has worsened when prices have fallen to ₹6,500–₹7,000 per quintal even during the off-season. The government's decision to remove import duties for approximately 45 days has also dealt a blow to the domestic market.Although the government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the upcoming season to ₹8,110 per quintal and directed the CCI to purchase stocks from farmers, the procurement process has stalled due to a lack of agreement with ginning mills.The CCI initially intended to finalize tenders by September 1, but due to protests, the deadline was extended to September 25. Despite this, no mills submitted bids.According to sources, the CCI has forwarded the demands of ginning mills to the Union Ministry of Commerce and is now awaiting a response from the ministry. The main demands of the ginning mills are:* Bids should be invited region-wise,* The minimum bid requirement should be removed,* All ginning mills should be given the opportunity to participate,* No deadline should be imposed on farmers for the stock they can bring.Mills insist that farmers bring stock at their convenience, while the CCI believes that only a fixed schedule will allow for proper procurement monitoring and management.A CCI official said, "If farmers are allowed to bring stock without a fixed schedule, it will be difficult to monitor procurement and accurately identify farmers."read more :- Telangana: Minister urges CCI to procure cotton
Telengana : Minister Thummala urges Centre to procure cotton through CCIHYDERABAD: Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao urged Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh to initiate measures to procure cotton in Telangana through Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) from October 1.On Monday, the state minister wrote a letter to the Union minister in this regard.He explained that in the ongoing season, cotton was cultivated in around 43.29 lakh acres and 24.7 lakh metric tonnes of cotton is estimated to be produced in the state.“Though the CCI has invited tenders, ginning mills have not participated. With this, the procurement has been stopped. Now, the market rate of cotton in the state is at Rs 6,700 per quintal, while the minimum support price (MSP) is Rs 8,110 per quintal. In this situation, the farmers may do a distress sale,” he said in his letter.Meanwhile, Nageswara Rao instructed the Marketing department officials to form local monitoring committees to ensure smooth procurement [process at all centres.read more :- INR Opens Stronger by 07 Paise at 88.69
Indian rupee opens 07 paise higher at 88.69/USD as Dollar Index easesIndian rupee opened at 88.69 per dollar on Tuesday versus Monday's close of 88.76.read more :- Rupee fell 09 paise to close at 88.76 per dollar
The Indian rupee on monday lower 09 paise to close at 88.76 per dollar, while it opened at 88.67 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 61.52 points or 0.08 percent at 80,364.94, and the Nifty was down 19.80 points or 0.08 percent at 24,634.90. About 1837 shares advanced, 2163 shares declined, and 171 shares unchanged.read more :- Rain ruins cotton in Khargone, causing losses worth Rs 2 crore
Madhya Pradesh: Continuous rains have devastated the cotton crop in Khargone district: Losses amounting to ₹2 crore; picking and auctioning halted due to increased humidity.Continuous rains in Khargone district have caused significant damage to the cotton crop. Losses from farms to ginning units are estimated at over ₹2 crore in this district, the state's largest cotton producer. Excessive humidity has affected the quality of cotton, which hasThe district has been experiencing intermittent heavy rains for the past week, damaging the standing cotton crop. Farmers are trying to dry cotton at home, while ginning operators are also drying cotton on their premises. The moisture content of more than 25 percent has severely affected the quality of the cotton.The loss of luster in the cotton has increased the risk of its quality deteriorating.Losses estimated at crores. Pritesh Agarwal, operator of KK Fibers, reported that 700 quintals of cotton stored for drying at his ginning facility were soaked and washed away by the rain and flooding. The city's ginning business has suffered a total loss of over 2 crore rupees. The loss of cotton's luster has increased the risk of its quality being compromised.Due to the rain, farmers are unable to have their cotton picked from the fields. Due to a labor shortage and the closure of procurement in the market, wet cotton is falling off the plants and turning black due to the rain. Farmers have also suffered losses of over 1 crore rupees due to the rain and falling cotton prices.read more :- Cotton production in India is estimated to be 320-325 lakh bales by 2025-26.
Cotton is projected to reach 320-325 lakh bales in 2025-26, says the President of the Indian Cotton FederationThe Indian Cotton Federation (ICF), formerly known as the South India Cotton Association, held its 46th Annual General Meeting on 28th September 2025 at GKS Cotton Chambers.Thulasidharan was re-elected as President, while Nataraj and Aditya Krishna Pathy were re-elected as Vice Presidents. Nishant Asher continues as Honorary Secretary, and Chetan Joshi as Honorary Joint Secretary for 2025-26.At the meeting, Thulasidharan highlighted a growing global movement towards natural, sustainable fibres. “Consumers and brands alike are rethinking synthetics and demanding eco-friendly alternatives. This is a moment tailor-made for cotton, and our association will fully pursue this trend—working to position Indian cotton as the fibre of choice in a planet-conscious era,” he said.Sharing the forecast for cotton production in India for 2025-26, the President stated that the cultivation area is estimated at about 12 million hectares. With favourable climatic conditions, the crop is projected to reach 320-325 lakh bales.During his interaction with the press, Thulasidharan noted that allocation of funds for cotton research has been very low over the past decade. “While the government previously prioritised food crops, it is now set to allocate Rs. 2,500 crore for cotton research. There is great potential for India to double its cotton yield. With strong research, technology, and implementation, a yield of 500 lakh bales is not far-fetched for India in the future,” he remarked.Nataraj, in his address, acknowledged that global competition, tariff barriers, and the rise of synthetics remain real challenges. However, he emphasised that the worldwide shift towards sustainability, natural fibres, and traceability presents immense opportunities. “This is where India must lead,” he said.He further added that with its vast cotton production, strong spinning sector, and integrated textile value chain, India is uniquely positioned to strengthen its role in global supply chains. “Today, the world is looking for reliable, sustainable, and responsible sourcing partners. If we continue to improve quality, enhance efficiency, and align with global sustainability standards, Indian cotton and textiles can become the preferred choice for international buyers,” he stated.Nishant Asher said that going forward, the federation will aim to strengthen government interaction and expand its direct engagement with policymakers to ensure Indian cotton gets the support it deserves.read more :- Tamil Nadu may get Rs 100 crore from the central government for cotton production
Tamil Nadu may receive ₹100 crore from the central government to increase cotton productivity.The central government's Cotton Productivity Mission could prove to be a game-changer for Tamil Nadu's textile industry. This initiative aims to double farmers' income and cotton production and modernize ginning units. Tamil Nadu is expected to receive approximately ₹100 crore out of the total allocation of ₹5,900 crore.Industry experts say that if the plan is effectively implemented, Tamil Nadu's dependence on expensive cotton imports will decrease and the state will become more competitive in global markets.According to K. Selvaraju, general secretary of the South India Mills Association, Tamil Nadu's textile mills require approximately 12 million bales of cotton annually, while the state produces only about 500,000 bales. He said that with the right interventions, production could reach 2.5 million bales. The goal should be to reach at least 1.5 million bales by 2030.Selvaraju explained that a key focus of the mission is seed development and agricultural research. Currently, farmers plant 25,000 plants per hectare, but high-density planting technology can increase this number to 60,000. Pilot projects have also been conducted in some areas over the past two years.Currently, Tamil Nadu cultivates approximately 1.75 lakh hectares of cotton, which could be increased to 2 lakh hectares under the mission. The state is one of the few regions where cotton is cultivated in both winter and summer seasons, increasing the potential for extra-long staple cotton.He also stated that labor shortages are a major challenge in cotton cultivation, making mechanization crucial.Another important aspect of the mission is the modernization of ginning machinery. Ginning technology in Tamil Nadu is outdated, and upgrading it will improve both cotton quality and efficiency. (Sampurna Agro)Indian Cotton Federation President J. Thulaseedharan said that research has been receiving very little funding for a long time. He said that significant improvements in Tamil Nadu's productivity are possible if soil- and climate-specific seed varieties, precision farming techniques, and research institutions like the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) in Coimbatore are developed and supported.He also said that as productivity increases, production costs will decrease, MSP pressure will ease, and Indian cotton will become more competitive globally.Currently, cotton is cultivated in the state in areas such as Kumbakonam, Perambalur, Manapparai, Ottanchatram, Vasudevanallur, and Kovilpatti.read more :- Cotton crop damaged in Khammam
Telengana: Khammam cotton farmers suffer crop lossKHAMMAM : Cotton farmers in Khammam are facing heavy crop damage due to incessant rains. Farmers said the crop is wilting as persistent moisture and lack of sunlight have caused flowers to drop, leaves to turn red, and pods to blacken and fall.Fields that should be filled with green plants and white cotton now appear dry and barren. Farmers, already distressed after the green gram crop was destroyed by rains last month, say the cotton they had pinned their hopes on is also drying up.Cotton was cultivated on 2.25 lakh acres in Khammam and 2.40 lakh acres in Bhadradri. With rains continuing for several days, the cotton that has burst needs to be picked, but labourers are not able to enter the muddy fields. Picking has halted, and soaked cotton is turning black and losing market value.Farmers said yields per acre, which earlier stood at 10 quintals, are now down to three or four. “Normally, cotton is picked three to five times, but this year we may manage only one round,” they lamented.read more :- INR Opens Stronger by 04 Paise at 88.67
Rupee breaks the fall, opens 4 paise up at 88.67 against dollarThe rupee opened at 88.67 against the US dollar after closing at 88.71 in the previous session.
State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2024-25 SeasonThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) made no changes in per candy price this week. Following the price revision, CCI sold approximately 22,800 bales during the week, bringing the total cotton bales sales for the 2024-25 season to approximately 88,40,900 bales. This represents around 88.40% of the total cotton procured so far this season.A state-wise breakdown of sales indicates strong activity from Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat, which together account for over 85.33% of the total sales to date.This data underscores CCI’s proactive efforts in stabilizing the cotton market and ensuring steady supply across key cotton-producing states.read more:- Cotton harvesting in Vidarbha after Diwali
Farmers in Vidarbha may harvest cotton after DiwaliNagpur: Farmers in the cotton-producing region of Vidarbha will not be able to harvest their first crop before the festive season, leaving many farmers facing a cash crunch around Diwali.According to sources, adverse weather conditions have further exacerbated the problems of cotton growers, who are already grappling with falling prices following the abolition of import duties amid the tariff dispute with the US.Cotton is a major crop in western Vidarbha, which falls under the Amravati revenue division. This division cultivates cotton on over 3 million hectares of land, which has also been affected by heavy rains this year.State agriculture department officials said the flush is expected to arrive in mid-October or later, meaning the crop will be ready for harvesting by the end of the month. The wet weather has affected boll formation, delaying harvesting in many areas until after Diwali.Officials monitoring the situation said, "Usually, the first cotton crop is expected to arrive between Dussehra and Diwali, but this time the first cotton crop is likely to arrive only after the festivals. This means that many farmers will not be able to raise cash for the festivals by selling their produce during the festivals."A senior official from the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) confirmed this situation. Typically, cotton requires mild temperatures and dry weather to set kernels on time.However, since cotton is a perennial crop, farmers can make up for the losses later.A source said, "If the weather becomes dry soon, the cotton seeds are likely to set. However, forecasts are pointing to more rain." Meanwhile, farmer Manohar Jadhav in Yavatmal shared photos of his field, showing dried cotton plants and very few seeds."Heavy rains have hampered the formation of bolls, resulting in stunted vegetative growth. The plants have only grown tall and have very little crop," said Vijay Jawandhiya, a senior activist with the Shetkari Sanghatana.read more :- CCI Sells 88.4% of Cotton Procurement via E-Bidding, 22,800 Bales Weekly
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Declining cotton sowing: Policies reduce farmers' interest | 01-10-2025 19:06:06 | view |
| 60 lakh hectares of crops destroyed, decision on aid will be taken: Shinde | 01-10-2025 18:55:51 | view |
| CCI to procure cotton at MSP at 14 centres from October 1 | 01-10-2025 18:50:13 | view |
| INR Opens Stronger by 04 Paise at 88.77 | 01-10-2025 17:37:22 | view |
| Rupee fell 12 paise to close at 88.81 per dollar | 30-09-2025 22:58:33 | view |
| CCI-ginning mill dispute leaves cotton farmers confused | 30-09-2025 21:03:45 | view |
| Telangana: Minister urges CCI to procure cotton | 30-09-2025 18:16:49 | view |
| INR Opens Stronger by 07 Paise at 88.69 | 30-09-2025 17:28:09 | view |
| Rupee fell 09 paise to close at 88.76 per dollar | 29-09-2025 22:46:21 | view |
| Rain ruins cotton in Khargone, causing losses worth Rs 2 crore | 29-09-2025 22:23:02 | view |
| Cotton production in India is estimated to be 320-325 lakh bales by 2025-26. | 29-09-2025 20:20:50 | view |
| Tamil Nadu may get Rs 100 crore from the central government for cotton production | 29-09-2025 18:58:39 | view |
| Cotton crop damaged in Khammam | 29-09-2025 18:30:57 | view |
| INR Opens Stronger by 04 Paise at 88.67 | 29-09-2025 17:36:37 | view |
| CCI Cotton Sales 2024-25 (State Wise) | 27-09-2025 22:23:38 | view |
| Cotton harvesting in Vidarbha after Diwali | 27-09-2025 19:58:25 | view |
