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Sharp Rise in Cotton Sowing in Andhra Pradesh; Acreage Crosses 1.86 Lakh HectaresA significant increase in cotton sowing has been recorded in Andhra Pradesh during the Kharif 2026 season. According to a report by the State Agriculture Department, cotton sowing had been completed across a total area of 1,86,280 hectares in the state by the week ending July 1, 2026. This marks an increase of approximately 158 percent compared to the 72,282 hectares sown during the same period last year, reflecting growing farmer participation and favorable weather conditions.The state's total cotton sowing target has been set at 5,14,858 hectares, with sowing completed on approximately 36 percent of this area so far. Typically, sowing covers only 58,452 hectares by this time; however, this year's figure is 319 percent higher than normal, indicating a strong start to the Kharif season.District-wise data shows Kurnool leading in cotton cultivation, with sowing completed on 1,30,662 hectares so far. This is followed by Palnadu (19,413 hectares), Ananthapuramu (12,846 hectares), NTR district (8,989 hectares), and YSR Kadapa (4,955 hectares). Sowing has also taken place at varying levels in districts such as Nandyal, Sri Sathya Sai, Markapuram, Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Kakinada, Eluru, Krishna, and Tirupati.However, cotton sowing remains negligible or non-existent in certain districts, including Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, Bapatla, Chittoor, Annamayya, Polavaram, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Konaseema. Agriculture Department officials state that the onset of the monsoon has been relatively favorable this year, enabling farmers to carry out sowing on time. If rainfall conditions remain normal in the coming weeks, the total area under cotton cultivation is likely to increase further. Consequently, an improvement in cotton production in the state is anticipated this year.read more :- Karnataka Sees 42% June Rainfall Deficit

Karnataka Records 4th Lowest June Rainfall in 50 Years; 42% DeficitHubballi: June 2026 marked the fourth-driest June for Karnataka in the last five decades. The state recorded only 116 mm of rainfall during the month, a 42% deficit compared to the normal 199 mm. This has raised concerns about the serious impact on Kharif crop sowing, reservoir water levels, and the rural economy.The lowest rainfall for June in the state was recorded in 2023, with only 87 mm of rain. Between 1976 and 2026, June rainfall was below normal in over 21 years, while above-normal rainfall was recorded in 19 years. The highest rainfall was recorded in 1991, at 294 mm.The impact of the weak monsoon is also evident in the state's reservoirs. On June 28, 2026, the water level in the Tungabhadra reservoir near Hosapete stood at just 9.47 TMCft, compared to 61.88 TMCft during the same period the previous year. Due to poor rainfall in the catchment area, water inflow into the reservoir remained extremely low throughout the month.According to data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, the number of years with below-average June rainfall has increased over the last two decades. Since the year 2000, rainfall patterns in June have become increasingly erratic, clearly demonstrating the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector.According to agricultural economist Prakash Kammardi, the cultivation of ragi (finger millet) in South Karnataka and jowar (sorghum), soybean, and other Kharif crops in North Karnataka relies heavily on June rainfall. If adequate rain does not arrive on time, farmers often delay or even skip sowing, which adversely affects both production and income. Experts believe that while total monsoon rainfall has been above normal in recent years, there is a possibility that rainfall in July this year could be affected by the impact of El Niño. If this happens, it could place additional strain on agriculture, water resources, and rural livelihoods in the state.read more :-Rain Revives Kharif Sowing in Adilabad

Good Rainfall Brings Renewed Hope for Kharif Crops in Adilabad; Farmers Accelerate SowingAdilabad: Good rainfall during the last week of June has brought smiles back to the faces of farmers in the Adilabad region. Farmers, previously concerned about a prolonged dry spell, are now optimistic about the Kharif season. Continuous rains have ensured adequate soil moisture, accelerating the sowing of major Kharif crops such as cotton, red gram (tur), and soybean.For the first three weeks of June, Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Nirmal, and Mancherial districts recorded below-normal rainfall. Mancherial district, in particular, faced a significant rainfall deficit up to June 19. However, widespread rainfall in the last week of June led to a marked improvement in the situation, bringing rainfall levels in most districts into the normal range.According to official data as of July 1, Nirmal district recorded 170.2 mm of rainfall against a normal of 178.2 mm, resulting in a deficit of only 4 percent. Komaram Bheem Asifabad district received 169.2 mm of rain against a normal of 195.5 mm, marking a 13 percent deficit. Mancherial district recorded 140.3 mm of rain against a normal of 168.0 mm, reducing the rainfall deficit to 16 percent. Meanwhile, Adilabad district recorded 166.0 mm of rainfall against a normal of 216.7 mm, leaving a deficit of 23 percent.Agricultural officials state that the rainfall in the last week of June has created a favorable environment for the Kharif season. Farmers whose initial sowing efforts failed due to scanty rainfall are now re-sowing seeds. Adequate moisture has raised hopes for better seed germination and a successful harvest. Rajeshwar, a farmer from Tantoli village in Adilabad Rural Mandal, stated that farmers were disheartened by the scanty rainfall during the first three weeks of June and feared the Kharif season would be adversely affected. However, heavy rains in the final week completely changed the situation. He added that farmers are now fully engaged in sowing operations and are hopeful of a good Kharif harvest, provided the weather remains favorable.read more :- Rupee Opens 32 Paise Higher at 94.92 Against Dollar.

The rupee opened 32 paise higher at 94.92 against the USD.On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened 32 paise higher against the dollar at 94.92, whereas it had closed at 95.24 on Wednesday. the BSE Sensex was trading at 77,180.01, up 257.37 points or 0.33%. The index opened at 77,083.14 after closing at 76,922.64 in the previous session.READ MORE :- The rupee lower by 58 paise against the dollar to close at 95.24

On Wednesday the Indian Rupee lower by 58 paise to close at 95.24 against the US dollar, after opening at 94.66 in morning trade.At close, the Sensex was up 443.97 points or 0.58 percent at 76,922.64, and the Nifty was up 140.10 points or 0.59 percent at 24,005.85. About 2158 shares advanced, 1935 shares declined, and 165 shares unchanged.read more :- Brazil's Cotton Exports Surge

Brazil's Cotton Crop Second Largest in History; Record Exports Boost Global Market PresenceBrazil is steadily strengthening its position in the global cotton trade. According to Rabobank's June 2026 Agro-Info report, the country's cotton production for the 2025/26 season is projected to reach approximately 4 million tonnes of lint, marking the second-largest harvest in its history. Improved yields and robust export performance have enhanced Brazil's competitiveness among the world's leading cotton exporters.The report notes that while the area under cotton cultivation declined by about 2% this season, favorable weather conditions throughout the crop cycle resulted in superior yields. Consequently, the reduction in acreage did not adversely affect output, and total production remained strong.Between August 2025 and May 2026, Brazil exported approximately 3 million tonnes of lint, a 17% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Rapid exports during the second quarter further solidified Brazil's share of the global market.Despite the positive outlook for production and exports, the global cotton market continues to face challenges. USDA estimates cited by Rabobank suggest that global cotton production could decline by approximately 5% in 2026/27, while consumption is projected to rise by only 1.5%. This is expected to reduce global inventories, though the likelihood of a sharp spike in prices remains limited.The bank notes that inflation, weak consumer demand, rising logistics costs, and geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran are exerting pressure on the global fiber market. Additionally, potential weather-related risks associated with El Niño could impact supply and prices in the upcoming season.Domestic cotton sales also remain robust. According to IMEA, 72% of the projected production in Mato Grosso has already been sold, a figure that exceeds the five-year average. Rabobank believes that Brazil will continue to be a key player in the global cotton trade in the future, driven by improved productivity, strong exports, and competitive prices.read more :- Imported Cotton Sees Little Cost Benefit

No Significant Cost Advantage on Imported Cotton Despite Duty Removal: CAINew Delhi. According to the latest market data from the Cotton Association of India (CAI), imported cotton has not become significantly cheaper than domestic cotton, despite the temporary removal of the 11 percent import duty on cotton in India.According to the CAI, cotton prices in the Indian and global markets remain at roughly similar levels. Consequently, the decision to import by textile mills will depend not merely on price, but on factors such as fiber quality, availability, and timely supply.Data for the week ending June 26 shows that the average price of Indian cotton stood at 79.50 US cents per pound on a C&F Far East basis, inclusive of 6.00 cents per pound in freight charges. Meanwhile, the average price of the international benchmark, the Cotlook A Index, was recorded at 80.00 US cents per pound.Thus, the price of Indian cotton was lower by only 0.50 US cents per pound, or approximately ₹400 per candy (about 0.63 percent). The CAI states that this marginal difference is easily offset by costs such as insurance, port handling, inland logistics, and other additional expenses. Therefore, textile mills are unlikely to derive any significant cost advantage from importing foreign cotton.It is noteworthy that the Central Government suspended the 11 percent import duty on cotton from June 1 to October 30, 2026, with the aim of increasing raw material availability for the textile industry. However, recent market analysis indicates that this policy has had a limited impact on the actual cost of imported cotton.The CAI clarified that despite the removal of the duty, importers still incur expenses related to freight, insurance, port handling, domestic transportation, financing, and exchange rates. These additional costs completely wipe out the marginal price difference between domestic and imported cotton.The association also noted that, this week, Indian cotton traded at a premium of 8.20 US cents per pound over ICE December 2026 cotton futures. However, this spread reflects the difference between India's spot market and forward futures contracts and is not directly linked to the competitiveness of imported cotton.read more :- Cotton Crop Survey in Surajgarh

Agriculture Department Surveys Cotton Crops; Distributes Trichoderma to FarmersSurajgarh. On Tuesday, a team from the Agriculture Department conducted a survey of cotton crops across various villages in the area, an initiative led by the Locust and Integrated Pest Management Centre (Jaipur) under the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. During the visit, the organic fungicide Trichoderma was also distributed to the farmers.During the survey, officials noted that the current pest infestation levels in the cotton crops remain below the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). Nevertheless, farmers were advised to monitor their crops regularly and to use only those pesticides recommended by the CIB&RC should pest infestations increase.The team also educated farmers on the use of blue and yellow sticky cards to manage sap-sucking pests and pheromone traps to control the pink bollworm. Additionally, Trichoderma was provided to the farmers to promote organic farming practices.read more :- Rupee Opens Flat at 94.66 Against US Dollar

The rupee opened flat at 94.66.On Wednesday, the Indian rupee opened at 94.66 per dollar, whereas it had closed at 94.66 on Tuesday.READ MORE :- Rain Boosts Sowing in Phulambri

Maharashtra: Sowing Picks Up Pace in Phulambri and Soygaon Following RainPhulambri/Soygaon: Farmers in the Phulambri and Soygaon talukas, who were previously worried about the lack of rainfall up to the last week of June, have now found relief. Following recent good rainfall, sowing operations for the Kharif season have gained momentum in both talukas. Agricultural activities, which had stalled due to the earlier absence of rain, are now back on track, and farmers are actively engaged in sowing cotton, soybean, and maize.In Phulambri taluka, the 'Dhulperni' (pre-monsoon sowing done in dry soil) has received a new lease of life thanks to the timely rainfall. The prolonged dry spell had raised fears among farmers that they might have to sow their crops all over again. Many had planted seeds in anticipation of rain, but the delay had created a risk of crop failure.Good rainfall on Friday night significantly alleviated the farmers' concerns. The moisture in the fields has revitalized the crops that were already sown, while farmers who had not yet started sowing have also accelerated their field operations. Currently, the sowing of cotton, soybean, and maize is in full swing across both talukas.Although the current rainfall is considered sufficient for sowing, farmers are hoping for continued and good precipitation. They believe that if regular rainfall persists in the coming days, water levels in wells, ponds, and other sources will rise, ensuring adequate water availability for the subsequent growth of crops and for irrigation purposes.read more :- Kharif Sowing Down 22.7%

Weekly Monsoon Tracker: Kharif sowing drops by 22.7% due to rainfall deficit; cotton and oilseeds hit hardestThe impact of the monsoon's slow and uneven progress across the country is clearly visible on Kharif crop sowing. Due to rainfall deficits and receding water levels in reservoirs, the sowing of major crops—such as paddy, cotton, oilseeds, and pulses—is lagging significantly behind last year's figures. If adequate rainfall does not occur in July, there are concerns about mounting pressure on agricultural production and food inflation.According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kharif sowing covered 182.71 lakh hectares by June 25, 2026, compared to 236.47 lakh hectares during the same period last year. This marks a decline of 53.76 lakh hectares, or 22.7 percent, in the total sown area. Meanwhile, the country's rainfall deficit reached 43 percent by June 29. Below-normal rainfall has been recorded in 48 percent of the country, while 26 percent of the area falls under the 'large rainfall deficit' category.Oilseed crops have been the most severely affected. The acreage for oilseeds dropped from 36.40 lakh hectares last year to 16.98 lakh hectares—a decline of 19.42 lakh hectares. Specifically, soybean sowing fell from 19.97 lakh hectares to 6.92 lakh hectares, while groundnut acreage decreased from 15.29 lakh hectares to 8.87 lakh hectares.Cotton sowing has also been impacted; its acreage dropped from 45.36 lakh hectares to 29.66 lakh hectares, representing a decline of 15.70 lakh hectares. The area under paddy cultivation has shrunk from 34.41 lakh hectares to 25.75 lakh hectares, while the area sown with pulses has declined from 21.46 lakh hectares to 14.92 lakh hectares. Similarly, the acreage for coarse cereals ('Shree Anna') has decreased from 36.07 lakh hectares to 31.84 lakh hectares.Alongside the rainfall deficit, the receding water levels in reservoirs are also a cause for concern. Water storage in the country's 166 major reservoirs stands at just 26.4 percent of their total capacity, down from 36 percent during the same period last year. In South India, reservoir levels are at only 20.8 percent of capacity; specifically, levels have dropped from 48.6 percent to 14.7 percent in Karnataka and from 81 percent to 34.3 percent in Tamil Nadu. Water levels in Odisha's reservoirs also stand at a mere 15.3 percent.Although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Vidarbha over the coming days, if rainfall remains below normal in July as well, it could exert pressure on Kharif production, farmers' incomes, and markets linked to pulses, edible oils, and cotton.read more :- The rupee lower by 09 paise against the dollar to close at 94.66