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Jefferies Expects Long Growth Cycle for India's Textile SectorIndia's textile sector could be entering a growth cycle that lasts for several years. Strategies by global brands to diversify supply chains and shift sourcing away from China are creating significant opportunities for India to boost exports and gain market share. However, according to a Jefferies report, the transition towards man-made fiber (MMF) remains a key structural challenge for the sector.The report notes that the global textile and apparel market is valued at over $900 billion, with apparel accounting for approximately 60% of the total. India stands to benefit from its integrated fiber-to-fashion ecosystem, an export base of around $37 billion, raw material availability, a skilled workforce, and supportive government policies.According to Jefferies, improved competitiveness and the restructuring of global supply chains present a multi-year opportunity for India to expand exports and capture market share. However, India's export mix remains heavily reliant on cotton-based products, whereas global demand is rapidly shifting towards MMF apparel, sportswear, and athleisure.Home textiles are also viewed as an attractive growth segment, accounting for roughly 7–10% of global textile and apparel trade. India holds a significant market share—ranging from 45% to 60%—in key home textile categories like bed linen and towels in the US, while its share in the UK and the European Union stands at approximately 5–25%, indicating ample room for further expansion in these markets.Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) could also accelerate export growth. The India-UK FTA, set to take effect in July 2026, and the potential India-EU FTA (expected from 2027) could improve India's tariff access to the approximately $220 billion textile and apparel import market.However, limited FTA coverage, relatively high logistics and compliance costs, low manufacturing capacity, and a weak presence in the MMF segment remain key challenges for India.read more :-  Gir Somnath Rain Delay Worries Farmers

Delayed rainfall raises concerns for farmers in Gir Somnath; groundnut, soybean, and cotton crops at critical stageFarmers in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district are concerned due to the delayed monsoon. Sowing has been completed across 147,323 hectares in the district this Kharif season, a figure roughly equal to last year's. Currently, groundnut, soybean, and cotton crops are at critical stages of development, making rainfall in the coming days crucial for the harvest.Sowing has covered 91,479 hectares for groundnut, 26,787 hectares for soybean, and 12,491 hectares for cotton. Fodder crops have also been sown across approximately 11,103 hectares. At present, groundnut is in the pod-filling stage, soybean is in the grain formation and filling stage, and cotton is in the flowering and bud formation stage.According to Jaideep Chauhan, Assistant Director of the Agriculture Department, most areas in the district have irrigation facilities, and farmers are currently watering their crops using groundwater. Consequently, despite the delayed rain, the condition of the crops has not yet deteriorated. However, a prolonged dry spell could increase pressure on groundwater and irrigation sources.The department indicates that if good rainfall occurs within the next 8 to 10 days, the likelihood of significant crop loss is low. Farmers have been advised to use water judiciously and adopt drip and sprinkler irrigation methods. Emphasis has also been placed on weed control and mulching to retain soil moisture. Priority has been advised for irrigation during the flowering and grain-filling stages.In the event of moisture stress, the Agriculture Department recommends spraying a 1–2% solution of urea or potassium nitrate (13:0:45) and ensuring timely harvesting once the crop matures. For now, farmers are awaiting good rainfall.read more :-  The rupee opened 15 paise lower at 95.25 against the dollar.

The rupee had closed at 95.10 on Wednesday, whereas today it opened at the weaker level of 95.25 per dollar.The Sensex closed 60.18 points or 0.08 percent higher at 74,824.41, and the Nifty closed 18.15 points or 0.08 percent higher at 23,449.65.Read More :- Textile Industry Faces Cotton Price Volatility

Textile Industry Concerned Over Cotton Price VolatilityAmidst persistent fluctuations in cotton and yarn prices, textile mills and garment units in Tamil Nadu are seeking measures to improve cotton availability.Ashwin Chandran, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), stated that the surge in global demand for cotton yarn is a primary reason for the price volatility.He noted that demand for yarn in the international market has improved compared to recent years. While demand for cotton yarn was sluggish from 2023-24, demand for textile products across the value chain began to rise last December.Demand for yarn from China and Bangladesh has increased, and the domestic garment market is also witnessing a recovery, leading to an improved yarn market. Hosiery yarn exports primarily originate from mills in Gujarat, whereas mills in Tamil Nadu have a smaller share in this segment.Cotton futures prices had once touched 92 cents per pound and currently stand at around 86 cents. According to Chandran, the landed cost of clean cotton has risen by approximately ₹70 over the past year, while yarn prices have increased by about ₹95 per kilogram.Meanwhile, the Tiruppur Exporters and Manufacturers Association has appealed to the central and state governments to ban cotton exports. The association alleged that since January, certain large spinning mills and traders have artificially restricted cotton supplies, driving up yarn prices and placing increased pressure on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).According to the association, the country's cotton requirement is around 350 lakh bales, whereas domestic production stands at approximately 290 lakh bales. Although the government removed the 11% import duty on cotton and facilitated the import of about 62 lakh bales, prices continue to rise. The association has attributed this to artificial market manipulation and demanded government intervention.read more :- Rupee fell 23 paise to close at 95.10 per dollar

The Indian rupee lower by 23 paise against the US dollar on Wednesday, closing at ₹95.10 per dollar.The domestic currency opened at ₹94.87 against the US dollar and fluctuated throughout the trading session. It eventually closed at ₹95.10, down 23 paise from the opening level.At close, the Sensex was down 813.35 points or 1.08 percent at 74,764.23, and the Nifty was down 203.60 points or 0.86 percent at 23,431.50. About 1815 shares advanced, 2372 shares declined, and 174 shares unchanged.read more :- Kukshi Mandi New Cotton Auction Begins

Auction of New Cotton Begins at Kukshi Mandi; 1,269 Quintals ArriveHighest price reaches ₹8,465 per quintal; SDM and Mandi Secretary inaugurate the event with a traditional ceremony.Kukshi, Dhar. The auction of new cotton commenced on Tuesday at the Kukshi Agricultural Produce Market (Mandi). Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) Ashish Ashok Patil and Mandi Secretary Himmat Singh Jamra inaugurated the auction by performing rituals to worship Lord Ganesha and Lord Balarama. During the event, oxen were also worshipped, and farmers arriving with their cotton produce were welcomed with flower garlands.On the first day of the auction, an arrival of 1,269 quintals of new cotton was recorded, transported via 151 vehicles. This included 6 bullock carts and 145 other vehicles. The cotton fetched a highest price of ₹8,465, a minimum price of ₹7,500, and a model price of ₹8,000 per quintal. Cotton traders were also present during the auction proceedings.Shankar Manaji, a farmer from Amlal village, was the first to be welcomed with a *tilak* (ceremonial mark on the forehead); his cotton received a bid of ₹8,305 per quintal. The commencement of the new cotton auction generated enthusiasm among the farmers present at the market premises. Hundreds of farmers from the region attended the event.The auction was organized at the market yard located opposite 'Heera Palace' within the Kukshi Agricultural Produce Market Committee complex. Notable attendees included ginning operators Mahendra Gupta, Jitendra Soni, Rajendra Patidar, Raju Dugarwal, and Alok Gupta, among others.Appeal to Sell Produce at the MandiMandi Secretary Himmat Singh Jamra urged farmers to sell their agricultural produce within the market yard itself. He stated that selling at the Mandi ensures farmers receive fair prices and accurate weighing. Additionally, facilities for payment via cash or RTGS are available immediately after the sale.read more :- The rupee opened at 94.87 against the dollar, down by 5 paise.

The rupee had closed at 94.82 on Tuesday, whereas today it opened at 94.87 per dollar, marking a decline of 5 paise.In early trade, the BSE Sensex fell 474.44 points (0.63%) to 75,103.14, while the Nifty 50 dropped 140.60 points (0.59%) to 23,494.50.Read More :- Cotton Laliya Crisis Hits North Maharashtra

Cotton in northern Maharashtra faces 'Laliya' crisis, farmers worried about potential production declinesJalgaon: The difficulties of cotton farmers in northern Maharashtra are increasing this year. Due to delayed rains and subsequent heavy downpours, the cotton acreage in the state has fallen by approximately 4.5 lakh hectares below average. In Jalgaon district, cotton acreage has also declined by approximately 1.5 lakh hectares. Heavy rains in late July affected approximately 35,000 hectares of cotton. Now, the lack of rain on the remaining crop and the increasing incidence of pests and diseases have increased farmers' concerns.Currently, the cotton crop is in the leaf-emergence and pod-formation stages. Due to water shortages and weather fluctuations, there is a possibility of increased leaf spot, sudden wilting, and the incidence of dahlia, karpa, and sap-sucking insects. If adverse weather conditions persist, this could impact cotton production."Redness" is not a disease, but a disorderAccording to agricultural experts, "redness" in cotton is not a disease, but a physiological disorder. In this condition, the edges of the leaves or the entire leaf turn red, purple, or dark red. The leaves begin to shrink, and plant growth is affected.According to experts, sudden water availability after a prolonged period of water scarcity, temperature changes, an infestation of sap-sucking insects, and a lack of nutrients like nitrogen and magnesium in the soil can aggravate this problem.The Cotton Research Center in Jalgaon advises farmers to adopt balanced nutrition and proper water management. Instead of immediately spraying fungicides upon the appearance of redness, it is important to first assess the soil moisture, roots, nutrients, and pest conditions. Timely and appropriate management can minimize crop damage.read more :- Cotton Acreage Rises in Asifabad

Cotton Acreage Growing in Kumaram Bheem AsifabadFarmers in Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district have long prioritized cotton cultivation due to favorable soil, climate, and market access. Reduced irrigation requirements and better market prices are also contributing to the shift in cotton cultivation.A major reason for the increasing cotton acreage is the central government's increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Last year, the MSP for cotton was ₹8,110 per quintal, while this year it has been increased to ₹8,667 per quintal. This represents an increase of ₹557 per quintal compared to last year. The continuously increasing support price has increased farmers' interest in cotton cultivation.Cotton cultivation estimated at 3.70 lakh acresAccording to officials, the area under cotton cultivation in the district is increasing every year. In the last monsoon season, cotton was cultivated on approximately 3.40 lakh acres. This year, this area is estimated to increase to 3.70 lakh acres. The district's black soil is considered favorable for cotton cultivation. Furthermore, the hope of better prices for the crop is also attracting farmers to cotton.This monsoon season, a total of 452,202 acres of various crops are expected to be cultivated in the district's 15 divisions. These include cotton on 370,919 acres, paddy on 42,228 acres, sugarcane on 20,817 acres, soybean on 1,326 acres, and maize on 668 acres. Other crops are estimated to be grown on 11,254 acres.Farmer Gajela Santosh stated that the district's black soil is suitable for cotton cultivation. Due to the good prices received last year, better prices are expected this year as well. If the rains are favorable, a good yield is likely.read more:- Rain Disrupts Cotton Picking in Khargone

Rain in Kasrawad and Gogawan, affecting cotton pickingKhargone. Intermittent rain continued in the district on Monday night. Kasrawad and Gogawan received about an inch and a half of rain each. Kasrawad received 36 mm of rain, and Gogawan received 37 mm of rain. Maheshwar received 19 mm of rain, Khargone received 12 mm of rain, and Bhagwanpura received 10 mm of rain. The rain is expected to impact the crops ready in the fields.Cotton Picking FearedFarmers Mahesh Yadav and Badrilal Yadav reported that preparations are underway for cotton picking. The rain will add moisture to the cotton. This could impact picking and potentially damage the quality of the cotton. Farmers may have to wait for the rain to stop and the fields to dry. There is also a risk of damage to the soybean crop.26.1 inches of rain in the districtAccording to the Land Records Office, the district has recorded a total of 26.1 inches of rain so far. This is about 5 percent more than the average. Last year, during the same period, 25.7 inches of rain fell. However, the district's annual average rainfall is 32.6 inches. Consequently, the current rainfall is about 6.5 inches less than the annual average.Temperature Below 30 DegreesDue to cloud cover and rain over the past week, daytime temperatures have dropped by about 1.5 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature has remained below 30 degrees, providing relief from the heat and humidity.Rain expected for the next four daysAccording to meteorologists, Khargone, including western Madhya Pradesh, is expected to remain cloudy and receive rain for the next four days. Consequently, the weather is expected to continue to impact the crops in the fields. Farmers' concerns regarding cotton picking may increase.read more :- Rupee falls 31 paise to close at ₹94.82 against US dollar

The Indian rupee weakened by 31 paise to close at ₹94.82 against the US dollar on Tuesday.The domestic currency opened at ₹94.51 per dollar and remained volatile during the trading session before settling at ₹94.82, down 31 paise from its opening level.At close, the Sensex was down 555.23 points or 0.73 percent at 75,577.58, and the Nifty was down 144.05 points or 0.61 percent at 23,635.10. About 2025 shares advanced, 2174 shares declined, and 178 shares unchanged.read more :- Khargone Cotton Auction Opens at ₹8,411