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Organic Cotton Farming Yields Regional Benefits in IndiaA new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) released by the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) provides region-specific evidence of the environmental advantages of organic cotton cultivation compared to conventional methods in India. The study, conducted by climate solutions provider South Pole and commissioned by the OCA, analysed verified data from over 18,000 Indian farmers across three growing seasons (2020-2023) and various irrigation systems, including rain-fed, intensive irrigation, and mixed approaches.The research, which examined cotton farming practices across 15 distinct supply regions in five Indian states – Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, and Telangana – aimed to develop detailed environmental profiles for raw organic cotton produced by farmers participating in OCA’s agricultural program. It specifically investigated how different irrigation methods and farming techniques impact the environment.The OCA’s LCA was designed to establish a reliable baseline for evaluating environmental impact from farm to ginning, support credible environmental claims made by brands, and assist with Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting for partner companies. Furthermore, the OCA aimed to refine its data collection and management processes for future assessments and ongoing monitoring.Key outcomes of the OCA’s India organic cotton study indicate that organic cotton farming has a smaller environmental footprint across several crucial impact categories, including climate change potential, water consumption, acidification, and eutrophication. Notably, the study revealed that direct field emissions are significant contributors to climate change effects, acidification, and eutrophication, accounting for a substantial portion (averaging 88 per cent, and ranging from 45 per cent to 99 per cent across most categories) of the impact within the irrigated control group. The research also highlighted the significant role of fertiliser use, both synthetic and natural, in determining the environmental impact of cotton production. Water use impacts were found to vary considerably based on irrigation practices, with rain-fed systems demonstrating the lowest environmental impact.The research underscores the necessity of improving the quality and consistency of LCA data for sustainability initiatives to be effective and measurable. This includes refining secondary data related to irrigation through collaborations with local organizations to enhance water footprint assessments. The study also recommends regular updates to LCA studies to track progress and evaluate the impact of interventions over time.Looking ahead, OCA plans to conduct further regional LCAs to gain a more precise understanding of organic cotton’s contribution to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and social issues. Brands partnering with OCA will have access to customised LCA insight dashboards, enabling them to monitor progress, inform sourcing decisions, and drive meaningful impact. read more :- Brazil cotton prices rise on tight supplies & trade uncertainty

Brazil Cotton Prices Climb Amid Supply Crunch & Trade WoesTrade tensions between the US and China disrupted global market sentiment in early April, slowing spot market activity amid volatile futures. In Brazil, a mismatch in product quality and pricing continued to limit negotiations during the offseason. Most 2023-24 inventories have already been sold, with remaining sellers holding firm on prices. Buyers with urgent or high-quality requirements are paying a premium, as per the Centre for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA).As a result, domestic cotton prices climbed to BRL 4.2999 (~$0.73) per pound on April 15, 2025, up 1.97 per cent from March 31, reaching their highest nominal level since early March.According to National Supply Company’s (CONAB) April 10 report, Brazil's 2024-25 cotton crop is expected to hit a record 3.89 million tonnes—up 5.1 per cent year-on-year—driven by a 6.9 per cent rise in planted area and a 1.7 per cent increase in yield.Globally, the USDA projects cotton production at 26.32 million tonnes for 2024-25, a 7 per cent rise from the previous year, with consumption seen at 25.26 million tonnes, leaving supply 4.2 per cent above demand.read more :-Rupee Rises 11 Paise, Closes at 85.37 Against Dollar

Indian Rupee higher 11 Paisa, Ends at 85.37 per DollarThe Indian rupee on thursday higher 11 paise to close at 85.37 per dollar, while it opened at 85.48 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 1,508.91 points or 1.96 percent at 78,553.20, and the Nifty was up 414.45 points or 1.77 percent at 23,851.65. About 2340 shares advanced, 1468 shares declined, and 149 shares unchanged.read more :-India’s cotton panel recommends removing 11% import duty

India Panel Urges Removal of 11% Cotton Import DutyThe Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption (COCPC), headed by the Union Textile Commissioner, has recommended to the Centre to remove the 11 per cent import duty on cotton.The COCPC, which comprises all stakeholders in the cotton industry, made the recommendation at its meeting held in Mumbai on Wednesday, said K Venkatachalam, Chief Advisor, Tamilnadu Spinning Mills Association (TASMA). He was part of the stakeholders meeting. “If the Centre is unable to remove the 11 per cent duty fully, then the COCPC recommended that it could freeze the customs duty for the next months,” he told .Textile mills importing cotton have to be alert on the developing scenario, though any change in the import duty structure will have to be notified by the Ministry of Finance, he said. Positive signal to USVenkatachalam said the move will send a positive signal to the Trump administration in the US that India has made the import duty on cotton zero. “This will likely reflect positive on Indian textile exports to the US,” he said. This development follows the estimate of Indian cotton production at lower than 300 lakh bales (170 kg) by COCPC and industry bodies such as the Cotton Association of India (CAI). According to the CAI’s latest estimate, cotton output this season, to September, will likely be 291.30 lakh bales. The association has also projected imports to more than double to 33 lakh bales from 15.20 lakh bales last season. The cotton supply this year, including 25 lakh bales imported as of March 31, is estimated at 306.83 lakh bales, compared to the estimated consumption of 315 lakh bales. The Indian textile sector has begun importing cotton over the past few years, as the natural fibre’s production has stagnated due to its lower yield. India’s cotton production increased to nearly 400 lakh bales in the early 2010s after the introduction of genetically-modified Bt cotton. But, no new Bt variety has been introduced since 2006, and pest attacks such as pink bollworm and white fly, besides climate change, have begun to impact the productivity.read more :-US cotton exports to India rise on lower prices, tariff uncertainties

US Cotton Gains Ground in India as Prices Fall, Tariff Doubts LoomSECTIONSUS cotton exports to India rise on lower prices, tariff uncertaintiesReutersLast U.S. upland cotton exports to India have risen in the past few months fueled by global tariff conflicts, declining American prices and rising demand in the South Asian country, industry experts said.xports to India from February to April jumped to 155,260 running bales, from 25,901 shipped during a year ago period, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) data. The exports hit an over 2-1/2-year high in the week of February 20.The increase comes as Washington-Beijing trade tensions escalate, reducing U.S. cotton exports to China. China will impose 125% tariffs on U.S. goods, up from the 84% previously announced, the finance ministry said on Friday.With these tariffs and a drop in China's demand, upland cotton grown in Texas and other regions is now finding a market in India, according to Ajay Kedia, director of Kedia Advisors.At the same time, exports to China are expected to decrease, said Justin Cardwell, head of research and technology at Alternative Option.India is the world's second-largest cotton producer after China, as well as one of the world's largest cotton yarn processors and exporters. However, declining yields have recently turned the country from a net exporter to a net importer of the fibre.India mainly imports Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton from the U.S., benefiting from a 10% duty exemption, unlike short staple cotton which has an 11% import duty."The U.S. ELS cotton remains cost-effective for many Indian buyers due to its higher ginning efficiency, better lint yield, and superior fibre quality," said Kedia.The Cotton Association of India (CAI) this year lowered its cotton production estimate by 250,000 bales to 30.1 million bales, marking a 7.84% drop from the 2023-24 season.ICE cotton futures have dropped nearly 5% so far this year.India could see a cotton shortfall of 2.5 million bales this year, a gap that could be bridged with increased imports, said Y. G. Prasad, director of Central Institute for Cotton Research.India's cotton imports in 2024/25 are expected to double due to falling production, according to the CAI. India also imports cotton from Australia, Brazil, and Egypt.read more :-Rupee opened 20 paise higher at 85.48

 Rupee gains ground, opens 20 paise up against dollar at 85.48Indian rupee opened 20 paise higher at 85.48 per dollar on Thursday versus Wednesday's close of 85.68.read more :-Why did Bangladesh suspend yarn imports from India through land ports

Bangladesh Halts Indian Yarn Imports via Land Ports Amid Smuggling ConcernsMove : Bangladesh has suspended yarn imports from India through land ports (such as Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamsajid etc.).Reason : The domestic yarn industry was suffering losses due to cheap Indian yarn.Background :* India recently withdrew transshipment facility for Bangladesh.* In February, Bangladesh textile mill owners and the Tariff Commission had sought action against cheap yarn.* Allegation: Yarn imported from India comes cheaper and often at lower declared prices, affecting the domestic yarn industry.Impact:* Domestic yarn usage will be boosted.* But this may lead to raw material costs and procurement delays in the textile industry.* This is not the first time: Bangladesh has previously taken steps to reduce dependence on India for products like potatoes and onions.read more :-Indian Rupee lower 7 Paisa, Ends at 85.68 per Dollar

Rupee lower by 7 Paisa, Ends at 85.68 per DollarThe Indian rupee on wednesday lower 7 paise to close at 85.68 per dollar, while it opened at 85.61 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 309.40 points or 0.40 percent at 77,044.29, and the Nifty was up 108.65 points or 0.47 percent at 23,437.20. About 2561 shares advanced, 1244 shares declined, and 129 shares unchanged.read more :-USDA Announces 2025 Cotton Loan Rate Differentials

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2025-The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation announced the 2025-crop loan rate differentials for upland and extra-long staple cotton.The differentials, also referred to as loan rate premiums and discounts, were calculated based on market valuations of various cotton quality factors for the prior three years. The Commodity Credit Corporation adjusts cotton loan rates by these differentials so that cotton loan values reflect the differences in market prices for color, staple length, leaf, extraneous matter, micronaire, length uniformity and strength. This calculation procedure is identical to that used in past years.The 2025-crop differential schedules are applied to 2025-crop loan rates of 52.00 cents per pound for the base grade of upland cotton and 95.00 cents per pound for extra-long staple cotton. The 2018 Farm Bill stipulates that the loan rate for the base quality of upland cotton ranges between 45 and 52 cents per pound based on the simple average of the Adjusted World Price for the two marketing years immediately preceding the next crop planting. However, the established loan rate cannot be less than 98% of the preceding year’s established loan rate. Along with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service classing (quality) measurements, these differentials are used to determine the loan rate for each individual cotton bale.These differentials are important to cotton producers because they are used to derive the actual loan rate for each bale of cotton – above (premium) or below (discount) the average per pound loan rate, depending on the grade or quality of the cotton. The actual loan rate is significant because it is used to determine any marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments.read more :- China appoints new top trade negotiator amid US tariff war

China Names New Trade Chief Amid U.S. Tariff ClashChina appointed as its new trade negotiator on Wednesday a former representative to the World Trade Organization who replaces Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen, amid an escalating tariff war with the United States.Li Chenggang, 58, a former assistant commerce minister during the first administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, takes over from Wang, 59, the human resources and social security ministry said in a statement.The change comes as Beijing pursues a hardline stance in an intensifying trade war with Washington triggered by Trump's hefty tariffs on items imported from China.Li, who has held several key jobs in the commerce ministry, such as in departments overseeing treaties and law and fair trade, has an academic background in the elite Peking University and Germany's Hamburg University.He replaces Wang, a veteran commerce official and top trade negotiator since 2022.In the leadup to the U.S. tariff escalation, Wang welcomed foreign executives in Beijing, some from PepsiCo, Visa, P&G, Rio Tinto and Vale, reassuring them of China's economic prospects.The step came after official data showed foreign direct investment plummeted 27.1% in local currency terms in 2024 on the year, for its largest such drop since the 2008 global financial crisis.read more :-Rupee opens 16 paise higher at 85.61 against dollar

In relation to the US dollar, the rupee opens 16 paise higher at 85.61.The rupee opened 16 paise up on April 16 after retail inflation dropped to over a five-year low in March and easing of dollar, as the market goes into wait-and-watch mode on the US tariff action.read more :- Monsoon Rain: This year it will rain heavily! IMD said that monsoon rain will be above average in 2025