Innovative Sustainable Fashion Leader Liz Hershfield Named Cotton Council International (CCI) Executive DirectorWASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fashion industry veteran and sustainability expert Liz Hershfield will lead Cotton Council International (CCI), the export promotion arm of the National Cotton Council of America (NCC), as its new Executive Director. Hershfield succeeds Bruce Atherley, who retired at the end of March.Liz Hershfield Named Cotton Council International (CCI) Executive Director"Strong leadership and innovative strategies are essential to maintaining U.S. cotton's competitive edge," NCC President & CEO Gary Adams said. "Liz is well poised to enhance COTTON USA™ programs by communicating U.S. cotton's benefits, giving U.S. cotton growers more opportunities to thrive in the complex global market."Hershfield's specialized expertise in sustainability, global sourcing, product development and end-to-end supply chain strategy, alongside extensive experience with U.S. cotton, will advance CCI in leading the world to cotton's next level through its COTTON USA™ brand and help drive global U.S. cotton initiatives."There's never been a more important time to champion U.S. cotton," Hershfield said. "U.S. cotton has an incredible story to tell—rooted in quality, innovation and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, underscored by trust earned through reliable COTTON USA™ partnerships.I'm honored to join the talented team at CCI to bolster growth in demand and preference for U.S. cotton across the global textile supply chain."Throughout her distinguished career, Hershfield has spearheaded supply chain and sustainability initiatives for globally established brands such as J.Crew, Madewell and Gap Inc. She also founded Green-ish, a consultancy that helps businesses navigate the complexities of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and supply chain management.Her contributions to sustainable fashion have earned her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Textile Exchange Ryan Young Climate+ Award for her pioneering regenerative cotton program supporting U.S. cotton farmers. Hershfield was also honored with The Lead's "The Direct 60" award and named to the Rivet 50 Index for her leadership in the denim industry.In her new role as CCI Executive Director, Hershfield will leverage her vast experience with U.S. cotton and her proven track record in sustainable fashion and supply chain management to globally elevate "The COTTON USA™ Difference" of superior U.S. cotton plus unrivalled partnership across the global textile supply chain.About COTTON USA™: Cotton Council International (CCI) is a non-profit agricultural trade association that promotes U.S. cotton fiber, yarn and manufactured cotton products around the globe under our COTTON USA™ brand. With nearly 70 years of experience, our mission is to make U.S. cotton the preferred fiber for mills/manufacturers, brands/retailers and consumers. Our reach extends to more than 50 countries through 20 offices around the world.read more :-Indian rupee opens 47 paise higher at 84.02 against US dollar
In relation to the US dollar, the rupee opens 47 paise higher at 84.02.Indian rupee opened 47 paise higher at 84.02 per dollar on Friday versus Wednesday's close of 84.49.read more :-Indian Rupee higher 66 Paisa, Ends at 84.49 per Dollar
The Indian rupee on wednesday higher 66 paise to close at 84.49 per dollar, while it opened at 85.15 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 46.14 points or 0.06 percent at 80,242.24, and the Nifty was down 1.75 points or 0.01 percent at 24,334.20. About 938 shares advanced, 2828 shares declined, and 141 shares unchanged.read more:-Cotton Falls On Profit Booking Despite CAI’s Forecast Of Lower Domestic Crop Output
Cotton Slips on Profit Booking Despite Lower Crop Forecast Cottoncandy prices fell by 1.14% to ₹54,670 amid profit booking, following a recent bullish streak driven by concerns over a shrinking domestic crop. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) revised its production forecast downward by 4 lakh bales to 291.30 lakh bales (170 kg each), largely due to reduced output in Maharashtra. Previously, CAI estimated production at 295.30 lakh bales. Despite the lower crop outlook, prices saw limited upside due to weak mill demand and ample current stocks. As of March-end, total cotton supply, including imports and opening stocks, stood at 306.83 lakh bales. Imports for the current season are expected to surge to 33 lakh bales, more than doubling from 15.20 lakh bales last year, reflecting heightened concerns over crop shrinkage. Meanwhile, exports are projected to decline sharply to 16 lakh bales, down from 28.36 lakh bales a year earlier. The estimated closing stock for 2024–25 has been lowered to 23.49 lakh bales from 30.19 lakh bales last year, indicating tightening domestic availability by season end. On the global front, the U.S. balance sheet shows a marginal reduction in exports and a corresponding increase in ending stocks. Global production and consumption forecasts have also been reduced, particularly due to lower demand from China and Indonesia, with minor gains in Turkey. Technically, the market is undergoing long liquidation, with open interest falling by 1.18% to 251. Support lies at ₹53,940, with further downside potential to ₹53,220, while resistance is seen at ₹55,440, and a break above could take prices to ₹56,220.read more :-Indian Rupee Rises 10 Paise to Open at 85.15 Against US Dollar
Rupee Opens 10 Paise Higher at 85.15/USDIndian rupee opened 10 paise higher at 85.15 per dollar on Wednesday against Tuesday's previous close of 85.25.read more :- Rupee Falls 17 Paisa, Closes at 85.25 Against US Dollar
The Indian rupee on tuesday lower 17 paise to close at 85.25 per dollar, while it opened at 85.08 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 70.01 points or 0.09 percent at 80,288.38, and the Nifty was up 7.45 points or 0.03 percent at 24,335.95. About 1766 shares advanced, 2012 shares declined, and 125 shares unchanged.read more :-Preparations underway to remove import duty on cotton, farmers may suffer losses due to fall in prices
Cotton Import Duty Cut May Hurt Farmers with Price DropThe Government of India may abolish the 10 percent import duty and 10 percent cess on cotton. The reason is the pressure of the cotton industry! In view of the shortage of cotton in the country, the cotton industry is trying to get the import duty on cotton abolished with the aim of increasing textile exports. But farmers may have to suffer losses due to this.If the import duty on cotton is abolished, then the prices of cotton in the domestic market may fall due to cheap imports from abroad. Apart from farmers, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), the government agency authorized to purchase cotton at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), may also have to bear the loss. Because out of the approximately 100 lakh bales purchased by CCI at MSP, about three-fourths of the stock is still with it.According to sources, the Ministry of Textiles is in favor of abolishing the import duty on cotton and CCI is also expected to agree on this issue. There is a lot of lobbying by the yarn and fabric industry for the removal of import duty on cotton. Currently, 10 percent import duty is applicable on cotton and 10 percent cess is levied on it, due to which the effective import duty becomes 11 percent.Lalit Kumar Gupta, CMD of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), told Rural Voice that India imports 10 to 15 lakh bales of special quality cotton every year and this import is not affected by customs duty. Because this kind of cotton is not produced in the country and it has to be imported. The central government had recently called a meeting of the Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption (COCPC) to discuss the issue of cotton import, in which the opinion of most of the people involved was in favor of abolishing the import duty on cotton. Some people involved in the meeting also said that in case of removal of duty, the prices of cotton outstanding with the farmers will fall.When asked about CCI's opinion on the removal of customs duty on cotton, Lalit Kumar Gupta said that whatever decision the government takes, we are with it. As far as farmers are concerned, their interests are protected by MSP. We are the agency responsible for protecting the interests of farmers. However, regarding the loss due to fall in prices, he says that we sell cotton in the market throughout the year. Sometimes we get high prices at the end of the year because in case of shortage of cotton in the market, ginning companies stop the goods and even then increase the price. Still, if CCI suffers any loss, the government compensates for it.The Managing Director of CCI says that the yarn and fabric industry is of the opinion that government interference should be less. At the same time, if India abolishes customs duty, then due to the opening of the Indian market for import, the prices of cotton in the global market increase by one to two percent. Along with this, he told that there is no customs duty on cotton in any country other than India. We have import duty on cotton from 2022. He said that CCI is selling cotton at the price of Rs 55 thousand to Rs 56 thousand per candy (about 356 kg). In the current season 2024-25, CCI has purchased 100 lakh bales of cotton (170 kg per bale) and about 25 percent of it has been sold in the market.The season of buying cotton at MSP by CCI has also ended. In such a situation, about two-thirds of the crop is either with the farmers or the farmers have sold it to the traders. Industry sources say that farmers have 60 to 65 lakh bales of cotton. If the government removes the import duty on cotton, then its import will cost around Rs 48 to 50 thousand per candy. In that situation, the prices of domestic cotton being sold by CCI at Rs 55 to 56 thousand per candy may be adversely affected. Not only will this harm the farmers, but if the prices fall, industry sources are fearing that CCI may also suffer a loss of more than Rs 2000 crore on the outstanding stock.For the cotton season 2024-25, the Cotton Association of India (CAI) had estimated cotton production in the country to be 302.25 lakh bales, which was reduced to 295.30 lakh bales in March 2025. According to CAI, the consumption estimate for the current year is 313 lakh bales. At the same time, in the second advance estimate of agricultural production released by the government on March 11, 2025, cotton production has been reduced to 294.25 lakh bales. The Ministry of Agriculture had released an estimate of cotton production to be 299.26 lakh bales in the first advance estimate released in November 2024.If the government abolishes the import duty on cotton, then farmers will be discouraged at the time of sowing the new crop as the cotton sowing season is starting. The government had announced the Cotton Mission in this year's budget, which aims to promote cotton production in the country. If cheap cotton is imported into the country, then the government's objective along with the farmers may be adversely affected. Along with this, this issue can also take a political color and farmer organizations can oppose this move of the government. The special thing is that there are about 220 Lok Sabha seats in the country where cotton is produced. In such a situation, this matter is also politically very sensitive.read more :-Rupee opens 5 paise lower at 85.08 against dollar
Indian rupee opens 5 paise lower at 85.08 against US dollarIndian rupee opened marginally lower at 85.08 per dollar on Tuesday versus previous close of 85.03.read more :-Rupee higher 26 Paisa Against Dollar, Closes at 85.03
Indian Rupee higher 26 Paisa, Ends at 85.03 per DollarThe Indian rupee on monday higher 26 paise to close at 85.03 per dollar, while it opened at 85.29 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 1,005.84 points or 1.27 percent at 80,218.37, and the Nifty was up 289.15 points or 1.20 percent at 24,328.50. About 1877 shares advanced, 1961 shares declined, and 179 shares unchanged.read more :- CCI Cotton Sales Update for Season 2024-25.
2024-25 CCI Cotton Sales Report and InsightsThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has sold approx. 27,92,300 bales of cotton so far in the current season 2024-25. This accounts for approximately 28% of the total cotton procured this year.The state-wise breakdown of bales sold by CCI mentioned in the above postThis data reflects significant movement in cotton sales, particularly from Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat, which together account for over 84.42% of total sales so far.This data showcases CCI’s active role in stabilizing the cotton market across major producing states.read more :- MP urges PM to allocate textile park to state
MP Requests PM to Approve Textile Park for State GrowthBuxar: RJD MP from Buxar, Sudhakar Singh, on Sunday wrote to PM Narendra Modi, demanding allocation of Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM-MITRA) park to Bihar.The MP said under the PM-MITRA scheme, recently announced by the central govt, establishment of parks has been announced in seven states, barring Bihar.He added that Bihar was an industrially backward state with ample potential for the textile industry and it had selected 1,719 acres of land for this scheme, and the preliminary project report was submitted to the ministry of textiles before the last date of March 15, 2022.While states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka already have developed textile industries, Bihar does not have any such modern textile cluster. He said due to lack of opportunities, workers migrate from Bihar. If such a project was set up in Bihar, it would not only generate local employment, but large-scale migration could also be prevented, he added.read more :-Rupee Opens Stronger at 85.29 per Dollar, Gains 15 Paise
Indian Rupee Rises 15 Paise to Open at 85.29 Against US DollarIndian rupee opened 15 paise higher at 85.29 per dollar on Monday versus Friday's close of 85.44.read more :-Reviving ‘white gold’: How regenerative cotton farming can be a gamechanger in North India
Reviving White Gold: Regenerative Cotton's Promise for North IndiaOnce acclaimed as “white gold”, cotton—the backbone of India’s textile economy—is facing a crisis in North India. Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are grappling with a massive drop in area, yield, and quality due to persistent pink bollworm (PBW) infestation, whitefly attacks, cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) and soil-borne diseases such as boll rot and root rot. With erratic weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, the cotton belt of North India is at a crossroads.Against this backdrop, a phenomenal demonstration of regenerative cotton farming in Haryana’s Sirsa district has shown a promising way forward, even as the cotton sowing season in North India has just begun.The initiative, launched at the Cotton Association of India (CAI) farmer training programme on April 11-12 in Mumbai, drew the attention of leading agricultural experts, including CAI President Atul S Ganatra, Indian Society for Cotton Improvement (ISCI) President Dr C D Mai and SABC's Dr Bhagirath Chaudhary.The scientists adopted multiple methods, including drip fertigation and mechanical detopping (flat beds), and achieved a yield of 16.70 quintals per acre; drip fertigation, raised beds, polymulch and mechanical detopping, and obtained 15.97 quintals of yield per acre; drip fertigation, flat beds and canopy management (mepiquat chloride) and obtained 15.25 quintals of yield per acre; while with conventional control plots they obtained only 4.21-6.53 quintals of yield per acre.Dr Chaudhary said, “Micro irrigation techniques, especially drip systems, helped participating farmers save irrigation water by up to 60 per cent compared to traditional flood irrigation methods. Manoj Kumar, a farmer from Gindran village, said he had brought 1.5 acres of land under regenerative cotton cultivation under the guidance of Dr Dilip Monga, former head of ICAR-CICR RRS, Sirsa, and Dr Chaudhary. Kumar recorded a yield of 16 quintals per acre. In contrast, the yield from the conventionally sown field was only 8 quintals per acre, even though the same seed was used in both plots – the only difference was the technology.In this study, the major technological interventions were drip irrigation and fertigation, which ensured precise supply of water and nutrients, improved plant condition and reduced wastage, Ganatra said. Pink bollworm (PBW) management using PB Knot technology was very helpful for mating disruption and pheromone traps and reduced insecticide use by 18-27%. Climate-smart devices were used that encouraged solar-powered irrigation and water storage tanks to enhance sustainability, the scientists said. And the main emphasis was on disease prevention using disease-resistant varieties and pre-emptive strategies of disease control. The result was better germination (up to 95 per cent), healthier crop growth, less chemical dependency and more sustainable cotton farming.Experts believe that the Gindran demonstration could be a model example of reviving cotton cultivation across north India, provided certain systemic supports are ensured, including mainstreaming drip fertigation as a standard farming practice, scaling up integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, promoting climate-resilient infrastructure such as solar pumps and water tanks, and ensuring access to finance, inputs, and training for small and marginal farmers.“Apart from boosting farm incomes, this model offers hope to cotton harvesters (who remove seeds and debris from cotton), spinners, and the textile industry, which have been badly hit by the drop in cotton supply in the north. In Punjab alone, several ginning units have shut down due to low cotton arrivals. By restoring productivity and area under cultivation, the regenerative cotton model can help north India reclaim its position as a major cotton-producing region — a much-needed boost to both livelihoods and the rural economy,” Ganatra said.Can regenerative cotton farming bring back the glory days of ‘white gold’ in north India? The farmers in this demonstration say ‘yes.’ Now, it’s about scaling up the impact.read more :-Weekly Summary Report : Cotton Bales Sold by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)
Weekly Summary Report: Cotton Bales Sold by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) conducted online bidding for cotton bales throughout the week, with the daily sales summary being as follows:21st April 2025: CCI sold a total of 62,600 bales (2024-25 season), comprising 33,900 bales in Mills session and 28,700 bales in Traders session.22nd April 2025: Total sales stood at 10,500 bales (2024-25 season), comprising 8,600 bales in Mills session and 1,900 bales in Traders session.23rd April 2025: Total 60,900 bales (2024-25 season) were sold, which included 25,300 bales in Mills session and 35,600 bales in Traders session.24th April 2025: Highest sales of the week recorded, with 1,46,700 bales sold - which included 1,46,600 bales (2024-25 season) and 100 bales (2023-24 season). Mills session sales stood at 71,300 bales (2024-25) while Traders session sold 75,300 bales (2024-25) and 100 bales (2023-24).25th April 2025: The week concluded with sales of 1,23,300 bales - 1,23,000 bales (2024-25 season) and 300 bales (2023-24 season). Mills session sales were 52,900 bales (including 300 bales from 2023-24), while Traders session recorded 70,400 bales (2024-25).Weekly Total:During the full week, CCI sold around 4,04,000 cotton bales, successfully using its online bidding platform to streamline sales and facilitate smooth trade operations.Stay tuned with SiS for real-time updates on the textile industry.read more :-Ambitious cotton scheme: 2.2 million hectares in Kharif season
Ambitious 2.2M Hectare Cotton Plan for Kharif SeasonThe government has set an ambitious target of cultivating cotton on 2.2 million hectares of land during the current Kharif season (2025-26). The initiative aims to meet local demand, as well as contribute to the growth and progress of farming communities across the country.According to an official of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the target for cotton production has been set at 10.18 million bales, with a focus on ensuring the availability of certified high-yielding seeds and providing adequate supply of agricultural inputs in key sowing areas.Key points of the scheme:Improved seeds and technology: Farmers will be supported with high-quality seeds, pest-resistant varieties, and modern irrigation techniques.Digital monitoring: Satellite-based monitoring will track crop conditions to provide timely advice.Training and awareness: Farmers will be made aware through training and field demonstrations in local languages.Beneficiary States: Priority has been given to cotton producing states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.Agriculture Ministry's vision:"Our aim is not only to increase production but also to improve quality, stabilize prices and boost exports. Mandi reforms and the e-NAM platform are being expanded to give farmers direct access to markets," the agriculture minister said.Challenges:While the scheme is ambitious, challenges like climate change, pest control, and farmers' technical understanding have to be addressed. The government says a multi-pronged strategy has been prepared to address these issues.read more :-Tech adoption can raise cotton productivity, says SABC study
Tech Boosts Cotton Yields: SABC StudyTechnological interventions such as drip irrigation, fertigation and integrated pest management can enhance cotton productivity, showed a study by South Asia Biotechnology Centre.SABC had conducted the high-tech regenerative cotton demonstration during the Kharif 2024 season at its North India High-Tech R&D Station at Gindran village, Sirsa district of Haryana. The demonstration has provided compelling evidence that technological interventions can significantly enhance cotton productivity, resource efficiency and sustainability.The adoption of drip fertigation systems ensures higher germination rates and optimal plant stand, contributing to better crop establishment and yield potential, while farmers utilising micro-irrigation techniques such as drip systems can achieve up to 60 per cent savings in irrigation water, compared to the conventional cotton farming, said Bhagirath Chaudhary, Founder Director, SABC.Nutrient uptake efficiencyAlso the drip fertigation leads to significant improvements in nutrient uptake efficiency, with 54 per cent for nitrogenous fertilizers, 33 per centfor phosphoric fertilizers, and 79 per cent for sulphur fertilizers, ensuring better croр nutrition and reduced input wastage, Chaudhary said.Further the integration of drip fertigation with advanced agronomic practices demonstrated substantial yield advantages, he said. As against the highest yield of 8-9 quintal per acre in Haryana last year, the average yields in the demonstration unit were significantly higher at 13 quintal per acre, Chaudhary said.SABC has recommended that the drip fertigation should be widely promoted as a standard agronomic practice to improve water and nutrient efficiency in cotton farming. It has also suggested that the integrated pest management (IPM), including mating disruption technology (PBKnot) and pheromone traps for monitoring, should be scaled up to reduce pesticide usage, minimise pest incidence, and ensure environmental protection.The adoption of water storage tanks and solar-powered irrigation systems alongside drip fertigation can play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and sustainable water management. The success of these technology-driven demonstrations serves as a pathway for increased adoption across the cotton-growing belt, offering a ray of hope for farmers, ginners, spinners and textile industry of North India.By embracing precision agriculture, resource-efficient practices, and modern pest management strategies, the North cotton growing zone can revitalise cotton cultivation, enhance productivity, and ensure long-term sustainability for both farmers and the industry. In summary, the successful demonstration of these innovative technologies can become a ray of hope for farmers and cotton value chain partners of the North cotton growing region which results in the increase of area, productivity and production of cotton through technology adoption.”read more :-Rupee lower 25 Paisa Against Dollar, Closes at 85.44
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Innovative Sustainable Fashion Leader Liz Hershfield Named Cotton Council International (CCI) Executive Director | 02-05-2025 19:10:29 | view |
| Indian rupee opens 47 paise higher at 84.02 against US dollar | 02-05-2025 17:17:30 | view |
| Indian Rupee higher 66 Paisa, Ends at 84.49 per Dollar | 30-04-2025 22:49:11 | view |
| Cotton Falls On Profit Booking Despite CAI’s Forecast Of Lower Domestic Crop Output | 30-04-2025 17:51:01 | view |
| Indian Rupee Rises 10 Paise to Open at 85.15 Against US Dollar | 30-04-2025 17:13:26 | view |
| Rupee Falls 17 Paisa, Closes at 85.25 Against US Dollar | 29-04-2025 22:42:56 | view |
| Preparations underway to remove import duty on cotton, farmers may suffer losses due to fall in prices | 29-04-2025 18:00:11 | view |
| Rupee opens 5 paise lower at 85.08 against dollar | 29-04-2025 17:13:45 | view |
| Rupee higher 26 Paisa Against Dollar, Closes at 85.03 | 28-04-2025 22:43:24 | view |
| CCI Cotton Sales Update for Season 2024-25. | 28-04-2025 19:09:59 | view |
| MP urges PM to allocate textile park to state | 28-04-2025 18:20:38 | view |
| Rupee Opens Stronger at 85.29 per Dollar, Gains 15 Paise | 28-04-2025 17:12:49 | view |
| Reviving ‘white gold’: How regenerative cotton farming can be a gamechanger in North India | 26-04-2025 20:51:55 | view |
| Weekly Summary Report : Cotton Bales Sold by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) | 26-04-2025 19:44:44 | view |
| Ambitious cotton scheme: 2.2 million hectares in Kharif season | 26-04-2025 18:24:54 | view |
| Tech adoption can raise cotton productivity, says SABC study | 26-04-2025 17:47:33 | view |
