Bharatiya Kisan Sangh urges government not to extend exemption in cotton import dutyThe Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) has urged the central government to withdraw its decision to extend the exemption in cotton import duty till December 31. Also, warned that this move may harm domestic farmers and India may move towards dependence on imports. This appeal has been made in a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.According to the letter, BKS has said that India's cotton production is around 320 lakh bales, while domestic demand is around 39 lakh bales. A standard bale of cotton in India weighs around 170 kg.Mills estimate that usually about 60-70 lakh bales of cotton are imported every year, which is about 12 percent of the country's total cotton use.The farmers' organization said that this year the area under cotton cultivation has decreased by 3.2 percent compared to last year. "If the availability of domestic cotton seed does not increase, India will become an importer of cotton instead of an exporter," the Cotton Association of India (BKS) warned in the letter.South Asia's leading multimedia news agencyIt said cotton prices have already fallen from Rs 7,000 per quintal to Rs 6,000 per quintal following the announcement, and if duty-free imports continue till December, prices may fall further. "If cotton is imported at only Rs 2,000 per quintal, will anyone buy cotton from our farmers at Rs 2,000 per quintal?" ₹ 5,000 per quintal?" the Indian Cotton Association questioned in the letter.The finance ministry had initially exempted cotton import duty from August 11 to September 30, 2025. However, the recent decision has extended this exemption till the end of December.Indian Cotton Association general secretaryMohan Mitra stressed that the government should reconsider the decision. "If the government does not stop this decision of exemption in cotton import, India will become dependent on foreigners in the cotton sector instead of becoming self-sufficient," he wrote in a letter to the finance minister.Appealing to withdraw the notification immediately, he said that ensuring better prices for cotton...The letter concluded with a call to encourage farmers and prevent the sector from going into dependence on domestic cotton. A copy of the letter was also sent to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.read more :- Textile Stocks: Stir due to GST proposals after tariff
Textile Stocks: After tariff, now GST proposals have created a stir, keep an eye on these stocksTextile Stocks: Today, there is a lot of movement in the shares of the country's textile companies. The reason for this is that a big decision is going to be taken regarding the GST rates. According to the information received by CNBC-TV18 from sources, rates can be fixed on threads and clothes. Earlier, the shares of the textile sector are also being affected by the US tariff. Due to the purchase of oil from Russia, US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional tariff of 25% on India, due to which Indian goods are now subjected to a 50% tariff on entry into the US. Due to the US tariff, many stocks including Gokaldas Exports and Indo Count Industries fell by up to 20% in a month. This is because a large part of the revenue of these companies, about 50-70%, comes from the US market.How much relief is expected in GST rates?GST rates on synthetic filament yarn and sewing thread can be reduced from 12% to 5%. Apart from this, there is a proposal to reduce the GST rate on gimped yarn, metallized yarn and rubber thread from 12% to 5%. According to sources, there is a proposal to reduce the GST rate on other products including carpet and gauze from 12% to 5%, while the GST limit for readymade garments with 5% GST is proposed to be increased from ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 2,500. However, there is a proposal to increase the GST rates on readymade garments above ₹ 2,500 from 12% to 18%. However, it needs to be noted that these are only proposals and the final decision will be taken by the GST Council, whose meeting will be held on 3-4 September 2025.read more :- Rupee open Falls 06 Paise to 87.69/USD
Indian rupee opens 6 paise weaker at 87.69/USD as foreign selling, Trump tariffs weighThe local currency opened at 87.69 against the US dollar, as compared to 87.63 against the greenback at previous close.read more :- Rupee fell 12 paise to close at 87.63 per dollar
The Indian rupee on thursday lower 12 paise to close at 87.63 per dollar, while it opened at 87.51 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 705.97 points or 0.87 percent at 80,080.57, and the Nifty was down 211.15 points or 0.85 percent at 24,500.90. About 1409 shares advanced, 2501 shares declined, and 142 shares unchanged.read more :- CAI President Atul Ganatra's big statement on cotton prices
CAI President Atul Ganatra's big statement on cotton pricesCotton Association of India (CAI) President Atul Ganatra has made important statements about the current situation of cotton and the upcoming season. He said that cotton prices have increased significantly in the last two years, due to which work in big textile hubs like Tripura and Ludhiana has been affected.He said that if cheap cotton is available from any part of the world, its import will continue in India. Last week, about 2 lakh bales of cotton were imported from Australia. He estimated that next year 50-60 lakh bales of cotton can be imported, which will be the largest import in the last 100 years.However, this time a good crop is expected in North and South India and production may increase by about 10%. Ganatra ji said that the recent decision of the government is welcome.He said that at present CCI (Cotton Corporation of India) has a stock of 25-30 lakh bales of cotton. CCI will have to reduce its stock before the new crop arrives. Ganatra also said that if CCI reduces prices, imports will naturally decrease.He expressed concern over the demand situation and said that there is a clear shortage of yarn buyers, which may increase pressure on the industry.read more :- INR Opens Stronger by 17 Paise at 87.51
Rupee opens 17 paise up at 87.51 against the dollar on likely RBI supportThe local currency opened at 87.51 against the US dollar, as compared to 87.68 against the greenback at previous close.read more :- INR Gains 05 Paise, Closes at 87.68 per Dollar
The Indian rupee on tuesday higher 05 paise to close at 87.68 per dollar, while it opened at 87.73 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 849.37 points or 1.04 percent at 80,786.54, and the Nifty was down 255.70 points or 1.02 percent at 24,712.05. About 1167 shares advanced, 2751 shares declined, and 125 shares unchanged.read more :- USDA: India's cotton production estimated at 31.4 million bales in 2025-26
USDA estimates India's cotton output at 31.4 million bales in 2025-26The USDA local office in Mumbai has kept its forecast for Indian cotton output for the 2025-26 season beginning in October steady at 24.5 million bales of 480 pounds each (31.4 million bales of 170 kg each). This estimate has been made despite a reduction in acreage in key producing states of central India as farmers have turned to other profitable crops. The post estimates that India's cotton acreage in 2025-26 will decline to 11.2 million hectares from 11.5 million hectares in the previous year.Farmers in central India have preferred to grow competing crops such as paddy, maize and groundnut due to higher profitability, while an increase in yields due to favourable monsoon conditions is expected to offset the reduction in acreage. The post has forecast a yield of 476 kg per hectare for marketing year 2025-26, up from the current season's 464 kg per hectare.Cotton consumption in India is estimated at 25.7 million bales (25.5 million bales) at 480 pounds per bale, marginally higher due to stable demand for apparel and potential export growth following the ratification of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). As of July 24, domestic lint prices are 5 to 6 cents higher than the Cotlook A-index, pushing mills to increase their reliance on imports. According to trade sources, mill utilisation is around 90 per cent due to strong export demand for yarn, fabric and apparel, supporting the forecast of higher consumption.read more :- "White Gold' cotton is now a burden for farmers"
Cotton, once 'white gold', has now become a burden for India's farmersCotton farmers in India are facing the worst crisis in decades. Cotton, once known as 'white gold' because of the prosperity of farmers, has now become a burden.The yield in the fields is decreasing, prices in the mandis are falling and imports are increasing in the markets. By making the import duty zero, the government has made the situation even more difficult for the farmers.If this trend continues, India may soon become completely dependent on cotton imports, just as it already depends on edible oils and pulses.Currently, cotton cultivation acreage, production and productivity are all declining, forcing India to depend more on imports.In just two years, cotton cultivation acreage has decreased by 14.8 lakh hectares, while production has declined by 42.35 lakh bales. Between October 2024 and June 2025 alone, cotton imports crossed 29 lakh bales, the highest in six years.Each bale contains 170 kg of cotton. Experts say this is the result of weak policy and poor planning. India already spends about Rs 2 lakh crore every year on importing edible oils and pulses, and now cotton is also facing the same threat.How much has the production declined?The level of decline can be seen in the data. In 2017-18, India produced 370 lakh bales of cotton. In 2024-25, it has come down to only 294.25 lakh bales. Experts say this decline is due to three major reasons - price, policy and pests.Farmers are getting less money for their crop, the government has not supported them with the right policies, and pests like pink bollworm are damaging crops. This will not only hurt farmers but also push up clothing prices for consumers as India buys more cotton from abroad.The three villains of cottonIndia is the world’s second-largest cotton producer after China, accounting for about 24% of global production.Despite this, farmers are struggling. Prices are one reason. Cotton prices had touched Rs 12,000 per quintal in 2021. Today, they have fallen to Rs 6,500-7,000 per quintal, which in many cases is even lower than the minimum support price (MSP).Another problem is pests. The pink bollworm has developed resistance to the Bt protein, making it difficult to control pest attacks. Farmers are forced to spend more money on pesticides, increasing their costs.Also, the government's decision to remove 11% import duty on cotton between August 19 and September 30 has opened the door to cheap imports, which will further reduce the income of Indian farmers.Experts say the situation is worrying. Bhagirath Chaudhary, founder director of the South Asia Centre for Biotechnology, said cotton production in India is being affected due to weak policies, lack of pest resistance and new technology. Poor seeds have also reduced productivity.He said that in 2017-18, cotton yield in India was 500 kg per hectare. By 2023-24, it has come down to just 441 kg per hectare.This is much less than the global average of 769 kg. The US produces 921 kg per hectare and China 1,950 kg per hectare of cotton. Even Pakistan is performing better than India with a production of 570 kg per hectare.The government promotes the idea of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, but such policies are discouraging farmers and reducing production. If this continues, Indian farmers will suffer and consumers will eventually have to pay more for clothes and other cotton products.read more :- Russia: Planning to hire Indian workers in textiles and technology
From textiles to tech: Russia plans to hire Indian workers in two more sectorsMost Indians in Russia currently work in the construction and textiles sector, but demand is growing.Indian companies are looking to hire Indian workers in the machinery and electronics industry, Vinay Kumar, India's ambassador to Russia, told Russian state news agency TASS. "On a broad level, there is a need for manpower in Russia, and India has skilled manpower. So currently, within the framework of Russian regulations, Russian rules, laws and quotas, companies are hiring Indians," Kumar said.Most Indians in Russia currently work in the construction and textiles sector, but demand is growing. "Most of the people coming to Russia are in the construction and textiles sector, but the number of those interested in hiring Indians in the machinery and electronics sector is growing," he added.This influx has also increased demand for consular services. "When people come and go, they need consular services for passport extension, child birth, lost passport, etc., basically consular services," Kumar said.The ambassador also responded to Washington's criticism of India's purchase of Russian crude oil. He said India's energy purchase policy will continue to be guided by national interest. "Indian companies will continue to buy from wherever they get the best deal. So that is the current situation," he said.Kumar stressed that the priority is energy security of India's 1.4 billion people. "We have clearly stated that our objective is energy security of India's 1.4 billion people and India's cooperation with Russia, like many other countries, has helped bring stability in the oil market and the global oil market," he told TASS.Rejecting US tariffs targeting India's energy ties with Russia, he said, "The government will continue to take measures that will protect the country's national interests."Kumar also pointed out that India's approach is in line with global practice. "Many other countries, including the US and Europe, are also trading with Russia," he said.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated the same view on Saturday. Responding to the US criticism, he said, "It's ridiculous that people who work for a pro-trade US administration are accusing other people of doing trade. It's really weird. If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don't buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it. But Europe buys, the US buys, so if you don't like it, don't buy it."read more :- Rupee open Falls 15 Paise to 87.73/USD
Indian rupee opens 15 paise lower at 87.73 on rally in dollar indexIndian rupee opened 15 paise lower at 87.73 per dollar on Tuesday versus Monday's close of 87.58.read more :- Rupee fell 19 paise to close at 87.58
The Indian rupee on monday lower 19 paise to close at 87.58 per dollar, while it opened at 87.39 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 329.06 points or 0.40 percent at 81,635.91, and the Nifty was up 97.65 points or 0.39 percent at 24,967.75. About 1830 shares advanced, 2169 shares declined, and 178 shares unchanged.read more :- Pest attack on cotton crops in South India
After North, adverse weather triggers pest attack on cotton crops in South India.NEW DELHI: After North India, cotton crops in South India are now grappling with a severe pest outbreak triggered by abnormal weather, raising fears of reduced yields and further decline in the country’s overall cotton production.Prolonged monsoon spells and high humidity in August have led to a surge in “boll rot” disease across cotton fields in Andhra Pradesh. According to experts, this year’s outbreak is more severe than in recent years, with scientists recommending integrated pest management practices advised by the Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR).A field survey under the government’s Project Bandhan found “boll rot” thriving in moist conditions, damaging standing crops and raising concerns over yield loss, fibre quality deterioration and economic strain for Kharif 2025–26 growers. The survey was conducted by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Jodhpur, in collaboration with KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) Banavasi and confirmed widespread incidence in Kurnool and other cotton-growing areas of Rayalaseema.Dr C D Mayee, cotton epidemiologist and president of SABC, said, “For the first time in a decade, the economic threshold level of boll rot has crossed the severe outbreak mark of 20% in Kurnool district.” Mayee added that the disease has long been recognised as one of the most economically damaging for cotton in South-Central India.Dr Dilip Monga, former head of ICAR-Central Institute For Cotton Research, noted that incessant rains have worsened boll rot severity, with leaf spot cases also rising in recent years. Farmers have been advised to adopt combined cultural practices, balanced crop nutrition, prophylactic measures and integrated pest management for sustainable control.Andhra Pradesh contributes about 10% of India’s cotton production, with Kurnool serving as a key hub. The outbreak comes just weeks after farmers in North India reported leafhopper (jassid) infestations in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.Adding to farmer distress, the Centre recently scrapped the 11% import duty on cotton, leading to cheaper imports from the US.read more :- State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2024-25 Season
State Wise CCI Cotton Sales – 2024-25The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) decreased its prices by a total of ₹1,100 per candy this week. Following the price revision, CCI sold approximately 42,800 bales during the week, bringing the total cotton bales sales for the 2024-25 season to approximately 72,19,200 bales. This represents around 72.19% 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 83.94% 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 :- INR Opens Stronger by 13 Paise at 87.39
Indian rupee opens 13 paise higher at 87.39 against the dollar.The Indian rupee opened 13 paise up at 87.39 against the US dollar on August 25 as compared to 87.52 against the greenback at previous close.read more :- CCI sold 72% cotton through e-auction, reduced prices
CCI Decrease Cotton Prices, sold 72% of 2024–25 Procurement via E-BiddingThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) conducted online bidding for cotton bales throughout the week, with significant trading activity observed across both the Mills and Traders sessions. Over the course of five days, CCI decreased its prices by a total of ₹1,100 per candy.As of now, CCI has sold approximately 72,19,200 cotton bales for the 2024–25 season, representing 72.19% of its total procurement for the season.Date wise weekly Sales Summary :18 August 2025 :Sales amounted to 6,200 bales, all from the 2024–25 season.Mills session: 1,700 balesTraders session: 4,500 bales19 August 2025 :A total of 3,800 bales were sold from the 2024–25 season.Mills session : 1,600 balesTraders session : 2,200 bales20 August 2025 :Sales amounted to 12,300 bales, all from the 2024–25 season.Mills session: 8,100 balesTraders session: 4,200 bales21 August 2025 :The highest daily sales of the week were recorded on this day, with 15,200 bales sold from the 2024–25 season.Mills session : 8,200 balesTraders session : 7,000 bales22 August 2025 :The week concluded with sales of 5,300 bales.Mills session: 1,600 balesTraders session: 3,700 balesWeekly Total:CCI achieved total sales of approximately 42,800 bales for the week, underscoring its strong market engagement and the growing efficiency of its digital transaction platform.read more :- INR Drops 16 Paise, Closes at 87.52 per Dollar
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers Association urged not to increase cotton import duty exemption | 29-08-2025 22:18:44 | view |
| Textile Stocks: Stir due to GST proposals after tariff | 29-08-2025 19:03:58 | view |
| Rupee open Falls 06 Paise to 87.69/USD | 29-08-2025 17:29:22 | view |
| Rupee fell 12 paise to close at 87.63 per dollar | 28-08-2025 22:49:31 | view |
| CAI President Atul Ganatra's big statement on cotton prices | 28-08-2025 22:30:20 | view |
| INR Opens Stronger by 17 Paise at 87.51 | 28-08-2025 17:34:42 | view |
| INR Gains 05 Paise, Closes at 87.68 per Dollar | 26-08-2025 22:40:24 | view |
| USDA: India's cotton production estimated at 31.4 million bales in 2025-26 | 26-08-2025 21:58:37 | view |
| "White Gold' cotton is now a burden for farmers" | 26-08-2025 19:02:33 | view |
| Russia: Planning to hire Indian workers in textiles and technology | 26-08-2025 18:41:54 | view |
| Rupee open Falls 15 Paise to 87.73/USD | 26-08-2025 17:28:43 | view |
| Rupee fell 19 paise to close at 87.58 | 25-08-2025 22:40:49 | view |
| Pest attack on cotton crops in South India | 25-08-2025 18:57:58 | view |
| State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2024-25 Season | 25-08-2025 17:49:14 | view |
| INR Opens Stronger by 13 Paise at 87.39 | 25-08-2025 17:24:26 | view |
| CCI sold 72% cotton through e-auction, reduced prices | 23-08-2025 00:14:26 | view |
