India's economy stable in June-July amid tensions and apprehensions: RBI BulletinAn article published in the latest issue of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Bulletin said that India's economic activity remained stable in June and July this year amid geopolitical tensions and tariff policy uncertainties, with better prospects for the Kharif agricultural season, continued strong momentum in the services sector and modest growth in industrial activity.The global macroeconomic environment remained volatile in these two months.The article on the state of the domestic economy said that core consumer price index (CPI) based inflation remained below 4 per cent for the fifth consecutive month in June due to a decline in food prices.Systemic liquidity remained in surplus to enable faster transmission of policy rate cuts to the debt markets. It said that the external sector remained resilient due to adequate foreign exchange reserves and moderate external debt-to-GDP ratio.Another article in the bulletin mentioned that a 10 per cent increase in global crude oil prices could, according to empirical estimates, raise India's core inflation by about 20 basis points on a contemporaneous basis.The article on the relationship between oil prices and inflation in the country said that there is a need to take measures not only to control the impact on domestic prices due to increased dependence on oil imports but also to gradually move towards alternative sources of fuel for more efficient management of domestic fuel prices in the long term.read more :- Zero duty on raw materials can boost employment opportunities in textile sector in India: Amitabh Kant
Zero Duty on Raw Materials to Boost Textile Jobs: Amitabh KantIndia must eliminate import duty on man-made fibre (MMF) raw materials and scrap quality control orders (QCOs) to make the textile sector globally competitive and create lakhs of manufacturing jobs, according to former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant."The solution to job creation in India lies in the textile and apparel industry. It has the potential to add lakhs of manufacturing jobs," Kant said in a post on microblogging platform X.He pointed out that 70 per cent of the textile and apparel market globally is based on MMF and the rest on cotton, while in India the ratio is the opposite, which limits competition."At the raw material level, especially in the MMF market, there is a lack of competition. Raw materials such as polyester and viscose attract high import duty," Kant said."Raw material for MMF is about 25 per cent more expensive than our competitors. This cost disadvantage increases further as we move down the value chain," he said."Making raw materials competitive means freeing up millions of small enterprises, boosting their growth, creating a large number of jobs and making India a global textile superpower," he added.read more :- Rupee down 17 Paise to 86.57 Against Dollar
Indian rupee opens 17 paise lower at 86.57 against US dollarThe Indian rupee opened 17 paise lower at 86.57 against the US dollar on July 25, following a dip in Asian currencies and uptick in dollar index, as compared to 86.40 at previous close.read more :- CAI President Atul Ganatra's interview to CNBC Awaaz – Key Points
Key Highlights from the Interview Given by CAI (Cotton Association of India) President Mr. Atul Ganatra to CNBC Awaaz on July 24, 20251. Rising Demand for Alternative Fibers:Mr. Ganatra highlighted that there has been a significant increase in demand for alternative fibers like viscose and polyester over the past four years. In 2021, their daily consumption was around 1,800 tons, which has now risen to 2,600–2,700 tons per day. This upward trend is expected to accelerate further in the coming years.2. Fiber Price Comparison & Yarn Realization Rates:Current Prices:Cotton: ₹170 per kgViscose: ₹155 per kgPolyester: ₹102 per kgYarn Realization (percentage of fiber converted to yarn):Cotton: 86–87%Viscose/Polyester: Approx. 98%3. National vs Global Fiber Usage Ratio:India still uses 70% cotton and 30% synthetic fibers, whereas globally, the trend is reversed—70% manmade fibers and 30% cotton yarn.4. Massive Surge in Cotton Imports:There has been a dramatic rise in cotton imports this year. While only 1.5 million bales were imported last year, this year the number is expected to reach 4 million bales—an increase of over 250%, despite an 11% import duty. This is a concerning development for the Indian economy.5. Competitiveness of Imported Cotton:Currently, November shipment deals from Brazil and African countries are being finalized at ₹50,000–₹51,500 per candy, while domestic cotton prices stand at ₹56,000–₹57,000 per candy, which is 8–10% higher.Imported cotton is considered more competitive due to higher quality, lower contamination, and better yarn recovery compared to Indian cotton.6. Minimum Support Price & Sowing Situation:The MSP for the upcoming season is ₹8,100 per quintal, at which the CCI (Cotton Corporation of India) will procure cotton from farmers. This has boosted farmer confidence.Initially, there were concerns of a 10% decline in sowing area, but recent data shows sowing has already reached 10.1 million hectares, matching last year’s levels. If this trend continues, sowing could see a 3–4% increase this year.Thanks to a timely monsoon, new crop arrivals may begin in North and South India by September 15.7. Impact of Recycled Cotton:Recycled cotton—priced at around 25% of the cost of virgin cotton—is being used in higher volumes, which has also contributed to the reduction in overall cotton demand in the country.read more :- Trump: 15% to 50% tariffs will be imposed on countries
Trump Says Countries Will Face Tariffs Ranging From 15% to 50%US President Donald Trump suggested that he would not go below 15% as he sets so-called reciprocal tariff rates ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline, an indication that the floor for the increased levies was rising.“We’ll have a straight, simple tariff of anywhere between 15% and 50%,” Trump said Wednesday at an AI summit in Washington. “A couple of — we have 50 because we haven’t been getting along with those countries too well.”Trump’s comment declaring that the tariffs would begin at 15% represented the latest twist in his effort to impose duties on nearly every US trading partner, and the latest indication that Trump was looking to more aggressively impose the levies on exports from countries outside the small group that so far has been able to broker trade frameworks with Washington.Trump earlier this month said that more than 150 countries would receive a letter including a tariff rate of “probably 10 or 15%, we haven’t decided yet.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CBS News on Sunday that small countries including “the Latin American countries, the Caribbean countries, many countries in Africa” would have a baseline tariff of 10%. And at the first announcement of the tariffs in April, Trump unveiled a universal tariff of 10% on nearly every country.While Trump and his advisers initially expressed hopes of securing multiple deals, the president has been touting the tariff letters themselves as “deals” and suggesting that he is uninterested in back-and-forth negotiations. Still, he has left the door open for countries to make agreements that could lower those rates.On Tuesday, Trump announced he was reducing a threatened 25% tariff on Japan to 15% in exchange for the country removing restrictions on some US products as well as offering to back a $550 billion investment fund.The White House has also discussed a similar fund with South Korea, a nation also focused on reaching a 15% rate including on autos, according to people familiar with the matter. And the Philippines is aiming to bring down its own tariff rate to the 15% level from the current 19% rate, according to the country’s Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.Meantime, officials in Vietnam are weighing the likely cost of their deal. Hanoi estimates its exports to the US could decline by as much as a third if higher tariffs announced by Trump take effect, an internal government assessment shows.Read more: Vietnam Sees Trump Tariffs Cutting Up to a Third of US ExportsOther nations, including India and members of the European Union, are still pushing for an agreements before the heightened tariffs go into effect.On Wednesday, Trump said he would “have a very, very simple tariff for some of the countries” because there were so many nations that “you can’t negotiate deals with everyone.” He said talks with the European Union were “serious.”“If they agree to open up the union to American businesses, then we will let them pay a lower tariff,” Trump said.read more :- India-UK trade agreement: Exemption on Basmati and fruit export, no exemption on dairy and edible oil import
India-UK FTA: Basmati, fruits, cotton exports exempted from tariff; no relaxation on import of dairy, apples and edible oils.Farmers and food-processing units are set to benefit from the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) as basmati rice, cotton, groundnut, fruits, vegetables, onion, pickles, spices, tea and coffee, etc, would be exempt from duty when exported to the UK.Also, the FTA allows no tariff concessions on import of dairy products, apples, oats and edible oils. It means apple-growers in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir stand protected. Farmers and politicians from both states had been vocal in seeking ‘no exemption’ on apple imports.Agriculture and food processing will have a 14.8 per cent and 10.6 per cent share, respectively, of the agreed products under the FTA, that is scheduled to be signed in London on Thursday.A duty-free access, streamlined trade protocol, and protection for India's agriculture is part of the FTA and it sets the stage for growth in agri exports and value-added products. It unlocks premium UK markets for Indian farm and food-processing units as tariffs would match, or be lower in some cases, with benefits enjoyed by exporters from Germany, the Netherlands, and other EU nations.Agriculture and food processingOver 95% of ‘tariff lines’ agreed upon in the FTA will attract zero duty on Indian agricultural and processed food. India has calculated that this duty-free access is expected to increase agri exports by over 20% in the next three years, contributing to the goal of $100 billion agri exports by 2030 and putting more money in the hands of rural households.In the food-processing sector, India exports $14.07 billion worth of goods globally, while the UK imports $50.68 billion of goods. So far, Indian products make up just $309.5 million of UK imports.In agriculture, India exports $36.63 billion globally, while the UK imports $37.52 billion, but the UK’s imports from India are just $811 million.India can outcompete major global players in crucial segments. For example, in processed food preparations, India would have to gain ground over the US, China and Thailand. In bakery items, Indian produce would be more competitive than those from the US, China, Thailand and Vietnam. In case of preserved vegetables, fruits, nuts, fresh vegetables and Indian produce would get a lower tariff than that applied to Pakistan, Turkiye, the US, Brazil, Thailand and China.read more :- Rupee fell 07 paise to close at 86.40 per dollar
The Indian rupee on thursday lower 07 paise to close at 86.40 per dollar, while it opened at 86.33 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 542.47 points or 0.66 percent at 82,184.17, and the Nifty was down 157.80 points or 0.63 percent at 25,062.10. About 1564 shares advanced, 2324 shares declined, and 155 shares unchanged.read more :- Cheap fibres put pressure on global cotton
Cheaper alternative fibres put pressure on global cotton growthIndustry experts and research analysts say global cotton growth is under pressure due to the growing trend towards sustainability and environmentally conscious production, as consumers increasingly prefer responsible materials and manufacturing processes."Although natural fibres such as cotton have traditionally been considered sustainable and clean, overall cotton use is gradually declining due to concerns over excessive consumption, water use and climate sensitivity, driven by declining demand for fast-fashion and a shift towards alternative materials," research agency BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, said in its study titled "The Future of Cotton in Asia: Slowing Demand, Innovation and Resilience"."The textile sector is looking at alternative fibres such as bamboo, hemp and recycled cotton. These are cheaper than cotton," says Anand Popat, a Rajkot-based trader of cotton, yarn and cotton waste.Blended fibres are gaining popularity"Cotton blended fibres are gaining popularity. Today, pure cotton accounts for less than 30 per cent of the total fibre usage in the textile industry. Manufacturers have many options," said Ramanuj Das Boob, a Raichur-based sourcing agent and vice-president of the All India Cotton Brokers Association.Prabhu Dhamodharan, convener of the Indian Textile Entrepreneurs Federation (ITF), said alternative fibres have made some progress but cotton still remains the preferred choice among premium consumers. "This segment of consumers exhibits high spending power, leading to a sustained demand for cotton-based fashion products," he said.From India's perspective, for the first time this year, its cotton-based apparel exports accounted for 12 per cent of the US market. "With India's established strength in cotton apparels, this momentum is likely to continue," Dhamodharan said.Pointing to various initiatives launched by the EU and the UK to promote eco-friendly products, BMI said the demand for cotton is likely to become volatile due to the growing trend of synthetic fibres and the progress in affordable, high-quality and bio-based alternatives.Recycled cotton"As consumer preferences shift towards more sustainable alternatives, we expect a gradual decline in demand for the cotton crop, impacting prices and hence reducing production in the long term," the research agency said."The low cost of alternatives is impacting cotton. While the lowest price of cotton yarn is ₹220 per kg, blended yarn is priced at around ₹150," Das Bub said."The prices of recycled cotton are one-fourth of the prices of pure cotton products. Even large retailers are considering reducing costs by opting for blended cotton instead of pure cotton," Popat said.BMI said cotton production has faced several challenges in recent years, particularly the development of resistance to Bt cotton by pink bollworm in India, due to incompatibility with local agronomic and climatic conditions. "This underlines the need for cotton producers to continue innovating and adapting to emerging challenges," it said.Social campaignsSocial campaigns against alleged forced labour in China's Xinjiang cotton industry have led to global boycotts by major fashion brands and consumers. "Domestic demand has also weakened, with Chinese garment manufacturers increasingly turning to imported cotton to avoid the adverse effects of import bans and boycotts," the research agency said.Popat said various agencies are now trying to promote cotton. "It all started when cotton prices touched ₹1 lakh per candy (356 kg). Manufacturers tried to reduce costs and alternatives came up," he said."Nothing can beat the feel of pure cotton. This is a cyclical trend. It can change in a few years," Das Boob said.Dhamodaran said inventory levels in the global fashion sector have normalised, with brands and retailers increasingly leveraging AI and digital tools for demand-based, dynamic planning.Almost five-year low"Production is now closely aligned with consumption patterns, especially in developed markets, and EU import and consumption trends remain very stable. We expect even better momentum in the EU going forward," he said.BMI said India and China have initiated measures to address current problems in the cotton sector. These are likely to bear fruits over time.According to the US Department of Agriculture, global cotton production is estimated to be 25.78 million tonnes (MT) in 2025-26, compared to 26.10 million tonnes in 2024-25. Domestic consumption in producing countries is expected to rise to 25.72 million tonnes (25.40 million tonnes in 2024-25), while exports are likely to rise to 9.73 million tonnes (9.36 million tonnes). This will leave ending stocks at 16.83 million tonnes (16.71 million tonnes), a clear sign of a slowdown.Cotton futures on the New York-based Intercontinental Exchange are trading near a five-year low of 66 cents per pound. In India, benchmark Shankar-6 cotton is trading at ₹57,500 per candy in Rajkot, Gujarat.read more :- Farmers moving towards maize: Decline in soybean and cotton cultivation
Indian farmers shifting to maize cultivation as soybean, cotton acreage shrinksFarmers across the country have shifted significantly towards maize cultivation while areas dedicated to soybean and cotton farming are declining amid lower-than-expected realisations in the markets.As the country enters the last leg of kharif sowing, India has reported 708.31 lakh hectares of sowing as of July 21, as compared to 680.38 lakh hectares of last year, of which maize recorded the highest jump — from last year’s 61.73 lakh hectares to 71.21 lakh hectares this year.However, oilseeds reported a 6 per cent dip, which is 156.76 lakh hectares as against last year’s 162.80 lakh hectares. Soybean, the main kharif oilseed, was sown over 111.67 lakh hectares this year compared to last year’s 118.96 lakh hectares. Cotton, the major lint crop, has also seen a decrease in the acreage from 102.05 of 202-25 to the present 98.55 lakh hectares of this year.The Solvent and Extractors Association (SEA) – the apex body of edible oil solvent and extractors companies – has expressed concerns about the potential dip in soybean, India’s main summer-sown oilseed crop, acreage nationally.“Soybean acreage has dipped by over 6 per cent compared to the previous year, possibly due to shifting crop preferences and regional weather variability. This trend merits close observation, as soybean remains a crucial pillar in India’s oilseed economy and a major source of oil and meal,” Sanjeeve Asthana, President, SEA, said.Vilas Uphade, a farmer from Latur district of Maharashtra, noted that soybean is currently trading at Rs 4,000 per quintal in the wholesale market.“This is against the government-declared Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 5,328, which is even before the new crop has entered the market. We are expecting a bumper harvest this year, so I worry about what the price conditions will be post the harvest,” he said. With the kharif sowing entering its last phase, prices might see further slide.The demand for maize has increased due to its use as a feedstock for ethanol production.read more :- INR Opens Stronger by 8 Paise at 86.33
Rupee opens 8 paise up at 86.33 as dollar easesThe rupee opened 8 paise up on July 24 as the dollar index eased. The currency opened at 86.33 against the dollar after closing the previous day at 86.41.read more :- Rupee Ends Flat at 86.41/USD
The Indian rupee closed stable at 86.41 per dollar on Wednesday, while it had opened at 86.41 in the morning.The Sensex was up 539.83 points or 0.66 percent at 82,726.64, and the Nifty was up 159 points or 0.63 percent at 25,219.90. About 1882 shares advanced, 1989 shares declined, and 161 shares unchanged.read more :- Cotton textile exports cross $35.6 billion: Giriraj Singh
India’s cotton textile exports crossed $35.6 billion: Giriraj SinghIndia’s total exports of cotton textiles, including cotton yarn, cotton fabrics, made-ups, other textile yarn, fabric made-ups and raw cotton, crossed $35.642 billion during the last three years, Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh informed Parliament on Tuesday.The minister also stated that to enhance cotton productivity and quality, promote innovation and strengthen the entire textile value chain in line with the Vision 2030, a five-year ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’ was announced by the Finance Minister in the Budget for 2025-26.The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) is the nodal department for implementing the Mission, with the Ministry of Textiles as a partner. The Mission aims to boost cotton production through strategic interventions, including research and extension activities across all cotton-growing states.The Mission also proposes to focus on developing climate-smart, pest-resistant, and high-yielding cotton varieties, including Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton, using advanced breeding and biotechnology tools.A special project on ‘Targeting technologies to agro-ecological zones-large scale demonstration of best practices to enhance cotton productivity’ has been implemented by ICAR- Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, in eight major cotton-growing states. The total outlay of the Special Project is Rs 6,032.35 lakhs, the minister further stated.The ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’ aims to equip farmers with cutting-edge scientific and technological support, enabling higher productivity, superior fibre quality, and improved resilience against climatic and pest-related challenges. Aligned with the Government’s integrated 5F vision, Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, the Mission is expected to boost cotton farmers’ incomes, ensure a steady supply of high-quality cotton, and revitalise India’s traditional textile sector, thereby enhancing its global competitiveness, he added.As part of the steps to boost textile exports, the Ministry has also supported Export Promotion Councils in organizing a global mega textile event Bharat TEX 2025 to showcase the strength of the Indian textiles value chain, highlighting the latest progress innovations in textile & fashion Industry and positioning India as the most preferred destination for sourcing and investment in textile sector, the minister said in reply to another question in the Lok Sabha.These collaborations are governed through MoUs that support student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, dual-degree and twinning programs, collaborative curriculum development, and global academic immersion, the minister said.“These international engagements enhance India’s position in the global textile and fashion sector by fostering academic excellence, promoting innovation, and enabling knowledge transfer. They expose students and faculty to global design sensibilities, technological advancements, and emerging trends. By aligning curricula with international standards, these collaborations equip Indian graduates with the skills and insights needed to compete effectively in global markets and strengthen India’s reputation as a hub for creative and technical expertise in textiles and fashion,” the minister explained.read more :- Cotton Exporting Countries in 2025: India's Ranking
Top cotton exporting countries in 2025: See where India standsCotton is one of the most essential natural fibers used worldwide for clothing, home furnishings, and industrial products. As demand for cotton continues to rise, a few countries dominate the global cotton export market. These top exporters not only meet domestic needs but also supply massive quantities to international buyers.With global cotton production projected to hit 117.8 million bales (each weighing roughly 480 pounds) in 2025, here’s a look at the top 5 cotton exporting countries as per the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), USDA, 2023–2024 data, and what makes each of them key players in the industry.1. United States – The Global Cotton Powerhouse | Annual Cotton Exports: ~3.1 million tonnes | The United States leads the world in cotton exports thanks to its advanced agricultural practices, large-scale farms, and efficient supply chains. Most US cotton comes from Texas, Mississippi, and other southern states. Known for its high quality, American cotton is a top choice for global textile manufacturers.2. Brazil – Rapid Growth and Strong Export Network | Annual Cotton Exports: ~2.3 million tonnes | Brazil has emerged as a major cotton exporter over the past decade, benefiting from favourable weather and vast agricultural land. Brazilian cotton is primarily exported to Asia and Europe. Investment in modern farming techniques has boosted both output and quality.3. Australia – Premium Quality with Sustainable Practices | Annual Cotton Exports: ~1.7 million tonnes | Australia may produce less cotton than the US or Brazil, but it excels in quality. Known for its long, clean fibers, Australian cotton is favoured in premium textile markets. The country also leads in sustainable farming practices and water-efficient cultivation methods.4. India – A Giant Producer with Limited Exports | Annual Cotton Exports: ~0.8 million tonnes | India is one of the largest producers of cotton globally, but much of it is used domestically. Exports depend on surplus availability. Indian cotton is popular in nearby markets like Bangladesh and Vietnam. The local textile industry consumes a significant portion of the harvest.5. Uzbekistan – Reforming and Rising in Cotton Trade | Annual Cotton Exports: ~0.5 million tonnes | Cotton remains vital to Uzbekistan’s economy. In recent years, the country has focused on modernising its cotton industry and improving labour practices. Efforts to eliminate forced labor and promote ethical farming have improved its global image as a cotton exporter.read more :- Rupee open Falls 05 Paise to 86.41/USD
Rupee opens 5 paise down at 86.41 against the dollarThe rupee opened 5 paise down on July 23 on a marginal rise in dollar index. The currency opened at 86.41 against the dollar after closing the previous day at 86.36.read more :- Indian Rupee lower 11 Paisa, Ends at 86.36 per Dollar
The Indian rupee on tuesday lower 11 paise to close at 86.36 per dollar, while it opened at 86.25 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 13.53 points or 0.02 percent at 82,186.81, and the Nifty was down 29.80 points or 0.12 percent at 25,060.90. About 1724 shares advanced, 2126 shares declined, and 172 shares unchanged.read more :- Land submerged in Sirsa, cotton crop destroyed
2K acres flooded in Sirsa, cotton crop wiped out, farmers demand special girdawari.Recent heavy rains in Nathusari Chopta block of Sirsa district have left a trail of devastation across over 2,000 acres of farmland in seven villages. Cotton, guar and groundnut crops have suffered extensive damage due to severe waterlogging, with cotton being the worst hit.In many affected areas, farmers are now being forced to plough under their damaged cotton fields and switch to paddy cultivation, a crop more tolerant to wet conditions — but one that adds to their financial burden.Agricultural land has been inundated in Rupana Ganja (400 acres), Rupana Bishnoi (300 acres), Shakkar Mandoori (500 acres), Shahpuria (150 acres), Naharna (150 acres), Tarkawali (100 acres) and Chaharwala (50 acres). The worst-hit villages — Shakkar Mandoori, Rupana Ganja, and Rupana Bishnoi — account for nearly 1,200 acres of lost cotton crop.I had to plough my entire 7-acre cotton crop,” said Mukesh Kumar, a farmer from Shakkar Mandoori. “Even after pumping out water with motors, the stagnant water rotted the plants.”Other farmers including Anil Kasnia, Baljeet and Virender echoed similar losses.Many of them had taken land on lease and had already invested around Rs 10,000 per acre on cotton. Now, they must spend an additional Rs 6,000Rs 8,000 per acre to prepare and sow paddy.“It’s a double loss,” said Raj Kasnia, another affected farmer. “After rains, saline groundwater rises and damages the soil too. What can a farmer do in such a situation?”Adding to the concern is the overflowing sem nala (drainage canal), which is carrying excess water from the flooded fields. Farmers fear that if the embankment breaches, surrounding villages may be submerged, further damaging standing crops. They have blamed local officials for not cleaning the canal before the monsoon, despite repeated reminders.Farmers have urged the government to conduct a special girdawari (crop loss survey) and announce compensation for the losses.District Agriculture Deputy Director Dr Sukhdev Kamboj confirmed that most of the affected fields fall in salinity-prone zones.“We are advising farmers to switch to short-duration and low-water paddy varieties like Pusa 1509, 1692, 1847 (basmati) and Punjab 126 (parmal),” Dr Kamboj said. “These varieties require 33% less water and mature in about 100 days.”Dr Kamboj also noted that with unpredictable weather patterns, cotton is becoming an increasingly risky crop.This year, cotton was sown on 1.47 lakh acres in Sirsa district, while paddy covered over 1.5 lakh acres.read more :- Haryana : Central team inspects pink bollworm-hit cotton fields
Central team inspected cotton fieldsHisar: A team from Centre’s Agriculture Ministry visited the district to inspect the cotton crop following concerns over pest infestations, particularly the pink bollworm, following complaints from farmers.The team conducted a field inspection in Mangali Jhara village and found traces of pink bollworm in the cotton crop, said officials of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department today.The officials, however, maintained the infestation is below the economic threshold level and issued advisory to the farmers to stay alert, but not panic.The inspection team included Assistant Plant Protection Officers (APPOs) Laxmikant, KP Sharma and Suraj Beniwal from the Regional Integrated Pest Management Centre (RIPMC), Faridabad, accompanied by Dr Arun Kumar Yadav, Plant Protection Officer from the Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, and Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) Ravinder Antil.Dr Arun Kumar said that they have got information about pink bollworm from the village and intimated the head office at Chandigarh and at the Centre. Farmer Narsi Ram Khichar said that he spotted the pest and alerted the officials of the Agriculture Department couple of days ago.The cotton area in Hisar has steadily declined over the past three years primarily due to recurring pest problems such as pink bollworm. This season, cotton has been sown on approximately 2.1 lakh acres, down from 2.5 lakh acres last year, reflecting waning farmer interest due to consecutive losses.Dr Yadav informed that pesticide sprays are only recommended if four or more bolls per plant are found. Otherwise, farmers are advised to focus on regular field monitoring. The team also observed that last year’s cotton plant residue (banchhatti) is lying in the field which is suspected to have carried the infestation. Officials said that the leftover plant material poses a risk of pink bollworm attacks.On the other hand, some villages, especially in the cotton belt of Adampur in the district, are suffering due to excessive rain. The cotton farmers in villages including Sishwal, Adampur, Ladwi, Mahalsara and Kohli have reported widespread crop damage, with the risk of para wilt growing in standing water.Adampur MLA Chander Prakash visited the affected areas to assess the situation and took the officials of the Irrigation Department with him. The MLA directed the officials to take immediate action to drain water from fields and minimise crop loss.The Congress MLA also asked the government to conduct a survey to assess the losses and demanded immediate financial relief to affected farmers.read more:- INR Opens Stronger by 04 Paise at 85.25
Rupee opens marginally 04 paise higher at 86.25 against dollar Indian rupee opened with marginal gains at 86.25 per dollar on Tuesday versus Monday's close of 86.29.read more :- Sucker Pest Management in Cotton: Post Sowing Steps
For integrated management of sucking pests in cotton crop, do these things after sowingAfter extensive rainfall in Gujarat, most of the farmers have enthusiastically sowed Kharif crops. To keep the crops grown after sowing safe from diseases and pests, various efforts of crop maintenance are being made by the farmers. The state government has also always been with the farmers to prevent crop damage due to diseases and pests. Continuing the same, the Agriculture Director Office-Gandhinagar has issued guidelines suggesting important steps for integrated management of sucking pests after sowing of cotton.For management of sucking pests after sowing of cotton, do these things:* Weed and hoe the weeds in the paddy field, especially plants and grasses like Gadar, Kanksi, Wild Bhindi, Congress Grass and Wild Jasood.* For biological control of mealybugs and leafhoppers, release 2 to 3 days old caterpillars of predatory green moth (Chrysopa) twice at an interval of 15 days at the rate of 10,000 per hectare.* Use 5% solution of neem seeds or non-chemical agent like Azadirachtin 1500, 3000 or 10,000 ppm at the rate of 5 litres, 2.5 litres and 750 ml per hectare respectively.* Use yellow sticky traps to survey and control mealybugs and white flies.* For control of red sucking pests and red mites, collect and destroy half-opened or fully opened larvae by dipping them in kerosene water or shake the plant and walk briskly in a circular motion holding a rope at both ends to make the larvae fall.* For control of sucking pests in natural farming, spray 200 liters of Nimastra (without dilution) per acre. Non-chemical insecticides like Brahmastra, Dashparni extract should be sprayed in 200 liters of water in the amount of 6 to 8 liters per acre.* For biological control of sucking pests, at the beginning of the crop, when the atmosphere is moist, spray microbial controllers like Verticillium laciniae or Beauveria bassiae 50 grams in 10 liters of water.* For control of white fly infestation, as soon as the infestation is visible, spray 50 ml of Azadiractin 1500 ppm in 10 liters of water.* Destroy the damage caused by the T mosquito by breaking it and take care that there is no shade inside the field. On detection of pest, spray 50 ml Azadirachtin 1500 ppm or 40 gm Beauveria bassiana powder in 10 litres of water.* If the infestation of local pests is high in the cotton crop, use chemical pesticides recommended by the agricultural university related to your area as per requirement and recommendation.* While using pesticides, follow the recommended dosage and disease/pest/crop as per the label given on the pesticide under integrated pest management.read more :- Disillusionment with cotton: Production drops in Punjab, a setback to diversification
Punjab farmers disillusioned with cotton farming: Big drop in production, setback to crop diversification effortsMalwa region is known for cotton production, but now the farmers here are turning to paddy and wheat crops. Uncertainty over Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the outbreak of pink bollworm and white fly are considered to be the main reasons for farmers leaving cotton farming.Punjab farmers are getting disillusioned with cotton farming. As a result of this, a decline of 63.48 percent has been recorded in cotton production in the state this year. The government's crop diversification efforts have suffered a setback due to a major decrease in cotton production within a year.Punjab farmers disillusioned with cotton farming: Big drop in production, setback to crop diversification effortsPunjab farmers are getting disillusioned with cotton farming. As a result of this, a decline of 63.48 percent has been recorded in cotton production in the state this year. The government's crop diversification efforts have suffered a setback due to a major decline in cotton production within a year.Uncertainty over Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the outbreak of pink bollworm and white fly are believed to be the main reasons for farmers abandoning cotton cultivation. The latest report of the Cotton Association of India has revealed a decrease in cotton production.Malwa region is known for cotton production, but now the farmers here are turning to paddy and wheat crops. The groundwater level of the state is already falling. 118 blocks have gone into the red zone and this report has now increased the concern of the government even more. According to the report, cotton production has come down from 6.09 lakh bales in 2023-24 to 2.52 lakh bales in 2024-25. Similarly, the area has also come down from 2.14 lakh to 1 lakh hectare.Situation slightly better in Haryana and RajasthanCotton production in Haryana and Rajasthan has also fallen as compared to last year, but still the situation is slightly better there. In 2024-25, Haryana cultivated cotton in 5.78 lakh hectares and produced 11.96 lakh bales, while Rajasthan cultivated it in 6.27 lakh hectares and produced 17.79 lakh bales.Decline in purchase of cotton at MSP alsoA decline has been recorded in the purchase of cotton at MSP in Punjab. According to a report of Cotton Corporation of India in March, only 2 thousand bales were purchased at MSP in Punjab in the year 2024-25, whereas in the year 2019-20 this figure was 3.56 lakh bales. Similarly, in 2020-21, MSP purchase of 5.36 lakh bales was done. The market price of cotton was above MSP during 2021-22 and 2022-23, so there was no purchase at MSP during these two years. In the year 2023-24, only 38 thousand bales were purchased at MSP.read more :- INR drop 03 Paise, Closes at 86.29 per Dollar
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| Sucker Pest Management in Cotton: Post Sowing Steps | 21-07-2025 16:52:51 | view |
| Disillusionment with cotton: Production drops in Punjab, a setback to diversification | 21-07-2025 16:28:40 | view |
