Proposed India-Canada CEPA can boost goods trade: Rubix Data SciencesA proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Canada could significantly strengthen bilateral trade by reducing tariffs and improving market access, according to Rubix Data Sciences.The agreement is expected to benefit sectors such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, textiles, and agricultural products, while also ensuring more reliable imports of key resources like pulses and fertilisers.Rubix Data Sciences noted that beyond lowering tariffs, CEPA could deepen supply chain integration, encourage services and investment flows, and create a more stable and diversified trade framework. These improvements could help transform the currently cyclical nature of India–Canada trade into sustained long-term growth.Bilateral trade between the two countries increased from $6.9 billion in FY22 to $8.7 billion in FY25, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 8%, largely driven by stronger import growth.However, the sharp fall in imports during the first nine months of FY26 led to a 13% contraction in total trade, highlighting India’s sensitivity to commodity import cycles.Despite these fluctuations, the overall trade balance between India and Canada has remained broadly neutral, shifting between surplus and deficit over the years. India recorded a surplus in FY22, deficits from FY23 to FY25, and a surplus again in FY26 so far.This pattern reflects the complementary nature of bilateral trade, where India exports value-added manufactured goods while importing primary commodities, resulting in cyclical movements rather than a persistent structural imbalance.read more :- Rupee fell 03 paise to close at 91.60 per dollar
The Indian rupee on Thursday lower 03 paise to close at 91.60 per dollar, while it opened at 91.57 in the morning.Benchmark indices ended sharply higher on Thursday, with the Sensex rising 900 points, or 1.14 percent, to close at 80,015, while the Nifty gained 285 points, or 1.17 percent, to settle at 24,765. read more :- Mega Textile Park proposal sent to Division
Proposal for establishment of Mega Textile Park sent to the concerned divisionOn the occasion of Holi festival, a big positive news related to the industrial sector has come out for Bhilwara. Under the Mega Textile Park Scheme of the Central Government, the process for setting up a park in Bhilwara has been taken forward.After the announcement of Mega Textile Park in the Union Budget (February 1), MP Damodar Aggarwal wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, Union Textiles Minister and Chief Minister on February 3, again strongly demanding the establishment of a park in Bhilwara. In this matter, on February 11, Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh informed that the proposal for setting up a mega textile park in Bhilwara has been sent to the concerned department for further action.It is expected that soon Bhilwara will receive positive information in this regard. According to Prem Garg, General Secretary of Bhilwara Textile Trade Federation, MP and Federation President Damodar Aggarwal has been engaged in this effort for a long time. Due to the decision of the previous state government, the Bhilwara proposal could not be sent to the Center on time. The Ashok Gehlot-led government at that time sent Jodhpur's proposal, which was rejected by the central government, while textile parks were allotted to other states.It was told that Union Minister Giriraj Singh was invited to Bhilwara on 15 April 2025 and informed about the textile industrial potential of this place. Urged to give Bhilwara its rights. The minister had also given positive assurance in this direction. It is known that Bhilwara is recognized as a major textile industry center in the country. If a mega textile park is established here, it can give a new impetus to the industrial development, employment generation and export growth of the area.read more :- 7000 farmers of Sirsa benefited from cotton sowing scheme
7000 farmers of Sirsa benefited from cotton sowing schemeHaryana government has increased the budget of the scheme under sowing of indigenous cotton. Farmers will get a benefit of Rs 4,000 per acre. Now farmers across the state, including Sirsa, sowing indigenous cotton will benefit. Earlier farmers used to get three thousand rupees. This will increase interest among farmers towards indigenous cotton.About 7 thousand farmers of Sirsa, who are registered with the Agriculture Department, will get its direct benefit. These farmers get the benefits of the scheme. Sirsa is considered a hub in desi cotton because from the beginning, it produces the highest amount of cotton in the state. In view of this, the headquarters of the Central Research Center for Cotton has also been built here by the government. But in the last few years, farmers' interest in cotton has reduced due to low yield due to pink bollworm and other diseases.Due to this, most of the farmers have stopped sowing cotton. Now they have started cultivating paddy instead of cotton. There was a time when Sirsa district was at the top in cotton production, but now there is negligible cultivation of cotton in the villages. At present, in such a situation in the district, the government wants to motivate the farmers towards cotton, so that the area under cotton can increase.MLA Gokul Setia had raised the issue in the HouseCongress MLA Gokul Setia from Sirsa constituency had raised the issue of decline in the area of indigenous cotton in the Haryana Assembly budget session. MLA Setia had demanded to increase the scope of the benefit scheme for sowing indigenous cotton. After the Haryana government raised the issue of indigenous cotton in the assembly budget session, a provision was made to increase the scope of this scheme.Panchayat Minister had given the answerOn this, Agriculture and Panchayat Minister Shyam Singh Rana had replied in the House that an incentive amount of three thousand rupees is given on this. MLA Setia had demanded that our seed is very old. The crops are good in foreign countries, we should have similar good seeds here. Like sowing millet crop, bonus should be given to the farmers sowing desi cotton. New seeds should be developed.Inclusion in Bhavantar will increase interest among farmers: DDAIn this matter, DDA Sukhbir Singh from the Agriculture Department says that there are about 7 thousand beneficiary farmers in Sirsa district, who are given three thousand rupees by the department for sowing desi cotton under the scheme. There is about 17 thousand acres of desi cotton. A request was made to the government by the department that this cotton crop is used commercially.Therefore, this crop should be grown like millet sold under Bhavantar Yojana, so that the farmer can get the benefit of Bhavantar Yojana. Otherwise interest among farmers is decreasing. If the farmer gets lower prices in private then he can get the benefit of price variation. This will increase the area. The good thing is that the government has increased the amount given to farmers under the scheme by one thousand rupees.The incentive amount on indigenous cotton cultivation will be ₹4,000 per acre instead of ₹3,000.Additional bonus of ₹ 2,000 per acre for growing pulses, oilseeds and cotton instead of paddy.There will be space for organic production in 10 markets.Compensation on fruits, vegetables and spices will increase under CM Horticulture Insurance Scheme.Incentive amount of ₹ 5,000 per acre on sowing sugarcane through single bud technology.Beekeeping will also be included in the Chief Minister Horticulture Insurance Scheme.7 veterinary dispensaries and 4 government veterinary hospitals will open in the state.
Rupee opens 57 paise up at 91.57/USD Indian rupee opened 57 paise higher at 91.57 per dollar on Thursday versus previous close of 92.14.read more :- Land to 23 textile investors in PM Mitra Park
PM MITRA Park Tamil Nadu Allocates 190 Acres of Land to 23 Textile InvestorsThe Board of Directors of PM MITRA Park Tamil Nadu has allocated 190.44 acres of industrial land to 23 investors, unlocking committed investments of approximately ₹2,192.21 crore (~$264 million) and creating the potential for approximately 15,000 jobs. Approved proposals include integrated plants, yarn manufacturing, fabric production, processing and finishing, apparel manufacturing, and technical textiles.The allocations indicate the industry's strong confidence in the park's governance structure and long-term competitiveness. According to a press release issued by the Indian Ministry of Textiles, the PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar is expected to accelerate the development of an integrated yarn-to-garment value chain in a region already known for textile and apparel manufacturing and exports.The park, one of seven mega textile parks under the PM MITRA scheme, is being developed at a cost of ₹1,894 crore ($228 million). It will include a 15 MLD CETP with ZLD, a 20 MLD ZLD facility, a 20 MW solar power plant, a centralized steam boiler, and approximately 1.3 million square feet of plug-and-play units. Located on NH 44 and 106 km from Tuticorin Port, it offers strong logistics connectivity. Infrastructure work worth approximately ₹550 crore ($60 million) is underway, targeted for completion by December 2027.The 9th Board meeting, held on February 27, 2026, was chaired by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. Among those present were Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Arun Roy Vijayakrishnan, Secretary, Department of Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu; Senthil Raj Krishnan, MD, SIPCOT; With representatives from NICDC, Ministry of Textiles and SIPCOT.
India introduces deferred customs duty payments for some importersThe Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) of India has recently introduced a new facility for credible manufacturers by enabling the facility of deferred payment of customs duty for a new category of importers called 'Eligible Manufacturer Importers' (EMIs).This facility will be available from April 1 and will be applicable till March 31, 2028.The decision was taken after the announcement by Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the budget for the financial year 2026-27.The reforms are expected to improve ease of doing business, strengthen compliance, promote wider participation in the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and boost domestic manufacturing, a Finance Ministry release said.CBIC has issued detailed eligibility conditions, application process and operational guidelines in this regard.Under the initiative, EMI can be paid for imported goods without paying customs duty at the time of clearance. Instead, the applicable duty can be paid on a monthly basis, as prescribed under the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016, thereby helping manufacturers better manage cash flow and working capital.The deferred payment facility will be available for EMIs meeting the prescribed criteria related to Customs and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance, turnover, financial position and past track record. Existing entities including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises under AEO Tier 1 (T1), who satisfy the eligibility conditions, are also eligible to participate.The release said the EMI scheme has been designed as a confidence-based convenience measure to encourage compliant manufacturers to benefit from the simplified processes and motivate them towards higher levels of compliance.During the validity period of the scheme, approved EMIs are expected to progressively attain AEO-T2 or AEO-T3 status, thereby enabling access to enhanced convenience, faster approvals and priority treatment under the AEO programme.read more :- Iran-Israel war: The price may prove costly for India
Oil, Textiles & More: The Cost India May Pay for the Iran–Israel WarThe escalating conflict between Israel and Iran is beginning to impact India’s economy, with rising household prices and growing pressure on exporters. Disruptions in shipping lanes and air routes across West Asia are pushing up logistics costs, delaying deliveries, and unsettling commodity markets.Prices of staples such as pulses and onions have started climbing as supply chains face uncertainty. Exporters of rice, textiles, gems, electronics, and IT services are also reporting higher freight rates and longer transit times.In 2025, India exported goods worth $1.2 billion to Iran, including rice ($747 million), bananas ($61 million), and tea ($51 million). Imports from Iran comprised petroleum coke ($135.7 million), apples ($71.5 million), and dates ($33.3 million).Textile exports hit by shipping delays :-India’s garment and textile sector is among the first to feel the heat, as vessels avoid the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for trade between Asia and the West. Ships headed to Europe and the US may now take the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, extending delivery times by up to 25 days.“We will face delays in shipments going to Europe and the USA as the shipping routes would now avoid the Gulf region,” said Vijay Agarwal, chairman of the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council. “It’s going to hurt us as we are in the fashion business, which is very time-sensitive.”In Tiruppur, which accounts for over 40% of India’s knitted garment exports, manufacturers fear missed deadlines and tighter cash flows. “Some April orders have been shipped, while others are still being produced. Any delay has financial implications,” said Raja M. Shanmugham, former president of the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association.“Even Dubai is an important transit hub,” added K. M. Subramaniam, current president of the association. “If airspace there closes, exports could be severely disrupted.”Oil shock raises fiscal concerns :-Crude oil prices surged after US–Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, with Brent crude hitting $82.37 per barrel on Monday — the highest since January 2025. Nearly 20% of global oil trade and 40% of India’s crude imports move through the Strait of Hormuz.“For India, each $1 increase in crude adds roughly $2 billion to the annual import bill,” said JM Financial in a note. Sustained high oil prices could raise petrol, diesel, and LPG costs, strain public finances, and widen the fiscal deficit.HDFC Bank warned that higher oil prices may also weaken the rupee and expand the current account deficit. India’s strategic oil reserves cover around 74 days of demand, but analysts caution that if tensions persist, Brent could rise to between $90 and $110 per barrel.Broader impact :-The Iran–Israel conflict underscores India’s vulnerability to instability in West Asia — a region critical for both energy and exports. From household groceries to high-value shipments, the economic shock could deepen if the crisis escalates further.read more :- Rupee fell 22 paise to close at 91.47 per dollar
The Indian rupee on Monday lower 22 paise to close at 91.47 per dollar, while it opened at 91.25 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 1,048.34 points or 1.29 percent at 80,238.85, and the Nifty was down 312.95 points or 1.24 percent at 24,865.70. About 820 shares advanced, 3386 shares declined, and 130 shares unchanged.read more :- Cotton yarn prices fall 2% due to RoDTEP cut in India
Cotton yarn prices in India fell by 2% after RoDTEP cut.India’s cotton yarn market has weakened after the recent reduction in benefits under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme. Export rebates for cotton yarn have been reduced from around 3.4% of FOB value to 1.7%. The 50% cut has immediately narrowed exporter margins.India cotton yarn prices fall up to 2% after RoDTEP cut squeezes export marginsSouth India, which accounts for nearly 60% of India’s spinning capacity, has seen slower trade over the past week. In key hubs such as Coimbatore and Tiruppur, traders report that yarn prices have declined by ₹2 to ₹5 per kilogram across several commonly traded counts.In Mumbai, prices of 30 count carded cotton yarn fell by about ₹3 per kilogram,while 40 count combed yarn dropped by around ₹4 per kilogram compared with the previous week of February 2026. Overall, spot yarn prices corrected by 1% to 2% in the short term.India’s cotton yarn exports reached about $3.77 billion in FY2023–24, according to Texprocil trade statistics. A 1.7% reduction in export rebates could cut about $60 million from industry earnings each year. Since most mills work with profit margins of only 3% to 5%, this loss is very significant.Domestic demand has also remained cautious. Fabric and garment units have adequate inventory and are not placing aggressive fresh orders. Capacity utilization in several spinning units has reportedly slipped to 75% to 80%, compared with over 85% during stronger export cycles.The competitiveness gap is a growing concern. Competing producers in Bangladesh and Vietnam continue to benefit from stable export support structures and trade advantages. Even a 1% pricing difference can influence sourcing decisions in large volume contracts.Industry associations have appealed to the Government of India to review the revised rates. They argue that the spinning sector supports more than 50 million jobs across the textile value chain and contributes substantially to rural employment and cotton procurement.In the near term, price recovery will depend on three variables. These include clarity on export incentives, stability in domestic cotton prices, and improvement in global apparel demand. Until then, Indian yarn markets are expected to remain soft with limited upward momentum.read more :- US cotton acreage at lowest level in decade in 2026: CoBank
US cotton acreage seen falling to a decade low in 2026: CoBankU.S. cotton planting area is projected to decline for the second consecutive year in 2026, with acreage expected to fall by 9 million acres, down 3 percent year over year and the lowest level in more than a decade, according to CoBank analysis. This approach reflects lower price competitiveness compared to alternative crops and changes in grower economics ahead of spring planting decisions.Sectoral changes are expected to fuel the contraction. Cotton acreage in the southern United States is expected to shift toward soybeans amid improved profitability prospects, while irrigated cotton areas in the Plains are likely to shift toward corn production as producers rebalance crop rotations and manage input cost pressures, Cobank said in an article by Tanner Ehmke and Emmy Noyes.The slowing pace of U.S. cotton exports to China, increased competition from Brazil and Australia in global markets, and continued replacement by man-made fibers have collectively hindered price recovery, limiting producers' willingness to expand cotton acreage.Despite the projected decline, some degree of support is expected from the policy mechanism. Adjustments to base acreage payments under agricultural support programs are likely to moderate, helping to stabilize cotton plantings and prevent a sharp contraction in the 2026 season.read more :- India-EU FTA: 5-year MFN agreement
EU, India agree on 5-year MFN status under proposed FTA The European Union (EU) and India have agreed to grant each other the ‘most favoured nation’ (MFN) status for five years from the date their planned free trade agreement (FTA) comes into force, according to a draft of the deal released recently by the Indian commerce ministry.This implies neither side can give more favourable tariff terms to other trading partners for five years.Both sides announced on January 27 that talks on the FTA had concluded. The pact will allow 93 per cent of Indian exports to enter the EU duty free.The agreement also contains an annexure that provides for mediation, allowing disputes to be resolved through a fast-track process with the help of a mutually agreed mediator.The two sides have agreed not to introduce new import or export curbs beyond what is allowed under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. They agreed to step up cooperation in digital trade, agreeing to reduce unjustified barriers and supporting an open and secure online space..The draft text sets out plans for closer customs cooperation and quicker clearance of goods. These commitments will become binding after ratification.The two sides will start sharing annual import data one year after the deal takes effect. They have also agreed to provide fair and accessible appeal processes for customs decisions related to imports, exports or goods in transit.read more :- The rupee fell 28 paise to open at 91.25.
The rupee fell 28 paise to open at 91.25/USD.The Indian rupee opened 28 paise lower at 91.25 against the US dollar on Monday, compared to its closing level of 90.97 on Friday.READ MORE :- State-wise Cotton Corporation of India Cotton Sales – 2025-26
💥State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 Season💥The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) reduced its cotton prices for the 2025-26 season by ₹700–₹1,100 per candy this week, significantly boosting CCI's sales volume. However, on February 26, CCI increased its cotton sales prices by ₹100 per candy. To date, CCI has sold approximately 12,58,100 cotton bales for the 2025-26 season.
Madhya Pradesh invites investment in textile sector from Rajasthan Chief Minister of India’s Madhya Pradesh (MP) state Mohan Yadav recently invited investors from neighbouring Rajasthan state to further develop the former’s textile industry.He was addressing local investors, business leaders, industrialists and representatives of various industrial organisations at a session on investment opportunities in MP held in the textile city of Bhilwara in Rajasthan.Drawing inspiration from Bhilwara’s rich textile heritage, Madhya Pradesh seeks to explore multiple opportunities and build a long-term partnership with a progressing Rajasthan, an official release from the MP government said.Yadav, who has personally taken charge of the state’s industries department, said incentives are being provided to investors, and significant concessions are being offered for major investment proposals.The foundation stone for the country’s first and largest PM MITRA Park in the textile sector has already been laid in MP.Secretary of the Mewar Chamber of Commerce RK Jain urged Yadav to establish a technical textile park in the bordering Neemuch district.read more:- Cotton arrivals in Morbi break records
Record breaking cotton revenue in Morbi (Gujarat) yard: 10 lakh maunds of cotton received in 5 monthsCompared to last year, revenue increased by 1.50 lakh maunds due to higher sowing, although the price decreased by Rs 30 to 35 per maund.Morbi: Due to higher sowing of cotton than groundnut in Morbi district in the last Kharif season, the marketing yard received 10 lakh maunds of cotton in the last 5 months. Which, according to the official data of Marketing Yard, is 1.50 lakh maunds more than last year. It is important to note that despite record sowing of cotton in the Kharif season, farmers got an average price of Rs 30 to 35 per maund lower than last year.According to the information received, maximum cotton was planted in Morbi district in the Kharif season of 2025-26. Due to timely rains in the Kharif season, farmers had a very good cotton crop. But, due to unseasonal rains after Diwali, farmers' cotton crop got spoiled. Despite this, the hard work of the farmers paid off and this year the farmers produced 1.50 lakh maunds more cotton than last year.In the year 2024-25, the total cotton production in the district was 1,68,321 maunds. In contrast, in the Kharif season of 2025-26, farmers had sold 2,03,511 maunds of cotton for sale in the marketing yard. It is noteworthy that last year farmers got an average price of Rs 1416 for cotton. In comparison, this year farmers got an average price of Rs 1385, down by Rs 30 to 35.read more:- CCI records cotton purchase in Sankheda
Historic purchase of CCI in Sankheda (Gujarat) taluka, cotton worth about Rs 6.85 billion purchasedThis year a new record has been made in the agriculture sector in Sankheda taluka. The process of purchasing cotton at support price by Cotton Corporation of India was completed on 27 February. Despite bad weather and unseasonal rains this year, a huge quantity of cotton has arrived at the purchasing centers in Sankheda taluka. Cotton worth about Rs 6 billion 85 crore has been purchased directly from farmers in the entire season.Cotton procurement was started from December at Handod and Kalediya centers of Sankheda taluka. This year, a higher support price of Rs 8060 per quintal was fixed by CCI. Due to this attractive price, farmers not only from Chhota Udaipur district but also from neighboring Narmada and Vadodara districts reached these centers in large numbers in their tractors. As per the final figures, around 8.50 lakh quintals of cotton was purchased at these two centres.On one hand, there was happiness among farmers due to the higher support price, on the other hand, there was some dissatisfaction due to losses caused by rain and the new method of digital registration. However, according to government data, it is believed that the trade and employment of the region will also get a boost as a significant amount of Rs six billion eighty-five crore is being injected into the rural economy.CCI implemented the registration process through mobile app for the first time This year, CCI implemented the registration process through mobile app for the first time to bring administrative transparency in the agriculture sector. Farmers had to go through technical processes like uploading their documents, getting registered and getting administrative approval. In the beginning, this process seemed a bit complicated for the farmers, but in the end, due to this digital registration the money was directly deposited into the accounts of the farmers. Unseasonal rains adversely affected the quality and yield of the cotton crop. However, when compared with last year's figures, shocking results have emerged: Last year's purchase: 781554 quintals, this year's purchase: around 8.50 lakh quintals. This year, about 70,000 quintals more cotton has been earned as compared to last year.read more:- Relief to farmers: Procurement till March 15
Cotton procurement date extended: Cotton procurement date extended till March 15; Important decision of CCI for farmersPune News: CCI has finally extended 15 days for the purchase of cotton under guarantee. Cotton procurement in the state will now be done with guaranteed price till March 15. Therefore, CCI has appealed to the cotton producers to book their slots and sell cotton at a guaranteed price.Cotton Corporation of India i.e. CCI had decided to stop purchasing cotton with guarantee from Friday (27th). But farmers were still demanding extension of time as there was still a large amount of cotton left. State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also written a letter to Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh demanding extension of time till April 30.But till the evening of 27 February, no decision was taken regarding cotton expansion. Therefore, various types of discussions continued in the market throughout the day. There was confusion among the farmers also. Farmers in many areas are saying that they still have up to 30 percent cotton left. There was a fear that these farmers would face problems due to this. But this evening a decision was taken to extend the deadline. So farmers will get relief.CCI President Lalit Kumar Gupta said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had requested Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh to extend the deadline for cotton procurement. Farmers were also demanding extension. Accordingly, Textiles Minister Singh, keeping in mind the demand of the Chief Minister, has extended the deadline for cotton procurement in the interest of farmers.guarantee requiredCotton prices in the domestic market have declined since CCI started selling them. The price has come down from Rs 8,500 and at present the average price of cotton in the market is between Rs 7,300 to Rs 7,700. So the guaranteed price of cotton is Rs 8 thousand 110. The price has been reduced by Rs 800 from the guaranteed price. On one hand CCI is reducing the price by selling cotton at lower prices. Therefore the basis of guarantee is necessary. Farmers need the option to sell cotton at a minimum guaranteed price.25 lakh bales purchased in the stateSince the price of cotton was low from the beginning, this year also CCI's purchase got a good response from the farmers. CCI has so far purchased 102 lakh bales of cotton in the country. Out of this, 25 lakh 50 thousand bales of cotton were purchased in Maharashtra. CCI has informed that 31 lakh bales have been purchased in Telangana. There is a possibility that as time progresses, purchases in the state will increase.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had requested Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh to extend the deadline for cotton procurement. Keeping in mind the demand of the Chief Minister and the interest of the farmers, the Union Minister has extended the deadline for cotton purchase till March 15.Lalit Kumar Gupta, Chairman, CCIread more:- Cotton target raised despite labour shortage
Punjab increases cotton target amid fear of pests, shortage of labourAs soon as the cotton sowing season starts in April, there is an atmosphere of uncertainty in the cotton sector of Punjab. Farmers and agricultural experts are concerned about the threat of pest-prone hybrid seeds, especially pink bollworm, and a severe shortage of farm workers. Despite these challenges, the state agriculture department has set a target of sowing cotton in 1.5 lakh hectares for the kharif season of 2025-26, which is about 30,000 hectares more than the previous season. It is noteworthy that in the year 2021, cotton was sown in 2.5 lakh hectare area in the state, after which there has been a continuous decline in the area.In the semi-arid southern districts of Punjab, cotton picking is mainly done by women. However, declining crop production and persistent losses have led to reduced work in the fields, causing a large number of agricultural workers to turn to other employment. Many workers now find working in non-agricultural activities or under rural employment schemes as a more secure and stable option.Baldev Singh, a farmer from Bajak village in Bathinda district, says that since 2021, crops are continuously failing due to pest attacks and adverse weather. In such a situation, the availability of agricultural workers called 'Siri' has decreased. Workers are preferring jobs that are less labor-intensive and have relatively stable income, increasing the difficulties for cotton growers.According to Gurjit Singh Romana, a farmer from Fazilka district, after five consecutive seasons of poor crops, farmers are not ready to take the risk again. He says BT-2 cotton seeds are sensitive to pink bollworm and till now farmers have not been assured that the new crop will be safe. Despite limited options in semi-arid areas, farmers are skeptical and reluctant to increase cotton acreage.State Agriculture Director Gurjit Singh Brar admitted that the labor shortage in the cotton belt has become acute in the last two-three years. He said that the department is taking steps like promoting mechanization and cleaning the fields before sowing. According to Brar, the root of the problem is the seeds being susceptible to pests. The new generation of pink bollworm-resistant seeds are still in the testing phase and their acceptance will take time. At present, the teams of the department are busy in motivating the farmers for cotton cultivation as per the advice of experts.read more:- CCI weekly sales: 8.65 lakh bales sold, prices fluctuate
CCI's Weekly Sales Update: 8.65 Lakh Bales Sold as Prices Fluctuate Between ₹700–1100 Drop and ₹100 Hike During the week from 23rd February 2026 to 27th February 2026, CCI conducted regular online auctions for mills and traders of various centers. These auctions resulted in total weekly sales of approximately 8.64 Lakh bales for 2025-26 and 800 bales for 2024-25 season, reflecting strong demand from both segments.Cotton prices fell by ₹700– ₹1100 per candy on the 23rd Feb, leading to a significant rise in CCI’s sales volume. However, on 26th Feb, CCI increased its cotton sale price by ₹100 per candy.Day-wise Sales PerformanceFebruary 23, 2026:CCI began the week with strong sales, disposing of 86,000 bales from 2025–26 season.Mills session accounted for 32,300 bales and Traders purchased 53,700 balesFebruary 24, 2026:The total volumes reaching 2,17,100 bales, comprising 2,16,900 bales from 2025–26 and 200 bales from the previous season.Mills bought 87,900 bales, all from current season and Traders purchased 1,29,200 bales, including 200 bales from the older season.February 25, 2026:The highest sales volume of the week was recorded on Wednesday, with 2,77,800 bales sold. This included 2,77,200 bales from the 2025–26 crop and 600 bales from 2024–25.Mills bought 1,02,800 bales, including 100 bales from the older season and Traders emerged as aggressive buyers with 1,75,000 bales, including 500 bales from 2024–25.February 26, 2026:CCI sold 1,84,200 bales, all belonging to the current season.Mills purchased 73,200 bales and Traders accounted for 1,11,000 bales.February 27, 2026:The week concluded with sales of 1,00,500 bales, all from the current season.Mills bought 45,500 bales and Traders purchased 55,000 bales.Cumulative sales :Following the latest auctions, CCI’s total sales reached:12,58,100 bales for the 2025–26 season, and 98,83,000 bales for the 2024–25 season.read more :- PM Mitra Park in MP: New center of industry and employment
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| India-Canada CEPA expected to increase trade: Rubix Data Sciences | 05-03-2026 16:52:54 | view |
| Rupee fell 03 paise to close at 91.60 per dollar | 05-03-2026 15:52:10 | view |
| Mega Textile Park proposal sent to Division | 05-03-2026 12:20:07 | view |
| 7000 farmers of Sirsa benefited from cotton sowing scheme | 05-03-2026 12:02:58 | view |
| Rupee opened 57 paise higher at 91.57 against the dollar. | 05-03-2026 10:27:55 | view |
| Land to 23 textile investors in PM Mitra Park | 03-03-2026 14:57:13 | view |
| Relief in customs duty payment to some importers in India | 03-03-2026 11:23:49 | view |
| Iran-Israel war: The price may prove costly for India | 02-03-2026 16:02:34 | view |
| Rupee fell 22 paise to close at 91.47 per dollar | 02-03-2026 15:41:14 | view |
| Cotton yarn prices fall 2% due to RoDTEP cut in India | 02-03-2026 13:43:41 | view |
| US cotton acreage at lowest level in decade in 2026: CoBank | 02-03-2026 12:11:48 | view |
| India-EU FTA: 5-year MFN agreement | 02-03-2026 11:56:58 | view |
| The rupee fell 28 paise to open at 91.25. | 02-03-2026 09:49:46 | view |
| State-wise Cotton Corporation of India Cotton Sales – 2025-26 | 28-02-2026 15:28:52 | view |
| MP leads in investment in textiles | 28-02-2026 13:05:28 | view |
| Cotton arrivals in Morbi break records | 28-02-2026 12:54:39 | view |
| CCI records cotton purchase in Sankheda | 28-02-2026 12:43:47 | view |
| Relief to farmers: Procurement till March 15 | 28-02-2026 12:32:50 | view |
| Cotton target raised despite labour shortage | 28-02-2026 12:21:41 | view |
| CCI weekly sales: 8.65 lakh bales sold, prices fluctuate | 27-02-2026 17:50:52 | view |
