Cotton Procurement Crisis Deepens, Farmers Demand Extension of CCI Purchase DeadlineThe ongoing challenges in cotton procurement across Maharashtra are intensifying, leaving farmers in a state of growing uncertainty. There is a strong demand that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) should keep procurement centres open until the end of April and ensure that all farmers—whether registered or unable to secure slot bookings—are allowed to sell their produce.While Agriculture Minister Dattatreya Bharne stated in the state assembly that the agricultural sector remains stable, the ground reality in the Vidarbha region tells a different story. In Yavatmal district alone, over 40,000 farmers are still waiting to complete registration for cotton sales, highlighting the scale of the issue across the state.This year’s Kharif season has been particularly difficult for cotton growers due to prolonged and heavy monsoon rains. Early harvests were damaged as cotton got wet, leading to quality deterioration. In addition, delayed picking and a shortage of labour have significantly increased production costs, forcing farmers to pay higher wages.Although the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton is ₹8,110 per quintal, market prices have largely remained between ₹6,000 and ₹7,000, pushing farmers toward CCI procurement centres. However, procurement has been inconsistent this season. Centres opened late, and for the first time, registration was made mandatory through the ‘Cotton Kisan App’, creating difficulties for many farmers due to limited smartphone access and poor internet connectivity in rural areas.Even after registration, farmers faced another major hurdle—mandatory slot booking for selling cotton. Many were unable to secure slots due to limited availability, raising concerns about whether their produce would be procured at all.Farmers initially expected procurement to continue until the end of March, as in previous years. However, after the February 28 deadline, CCI extended procurement only until March 15. Due to delays and holidays, actual procurement activity lasted only a few days at several centres.Recognising the severity of the situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has written to Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh requesting an extension of cotton procurement until April 30, 2026.Farmers are now demanding that CCI extend procurement operations until the end of April and include all affected growers, especially those unable to register or book slots.Adding to their distress, many farmers had stored cotton expecting better prices. However, earlier sales by CCI at lower rates weakened market prices, offering little relief to growers. From cultivation to marketing, farmers say policy decisions have consistently added to their difficulties rather than easing them.read more :- Rupee Opens 3 Paise Higher at 92.39
Rupee Opens 3 Paise Higher at 92.39/USDThe Indian Rupee opened 3 paise higher at 92.39 against the dollar on Tuesday, whereas it had closed at 92.42 on Monday.READ MORE :- Nahar Group will invest Rs 1,500 crore in Punjab
Punjab Investors' Summit: Nahar Group to invest Rs 1,500 cr across textiles, renewables, data centrePunjab witnessed major investment commitments during the Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026 in Mohali, with several industrial leaders announcing large-scale projects aimed at boosting the state's economy and employment opportunities.At the summit, Kamal Oswal, chairman of Nahar Group, announced an investment of ₹1,500 crore for modernising the company’s existing textile units, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and establishing a new data centre in Mohali. He said the summit reflected renewed confidence among investors and highlighted that Punjab is once again emerging as a strong destination for industrial investment.Oswal also noted that the state’s industrial sector had faced a slowdown in the past, with many companies exploring opportunities outside Punjab. However, he credited the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for restoring investor confidence and rebuilding an industry-friendly environment in the state.Several other industrialists also announced significant investments. P. J. Singh, managing director of Tynor Orthotics, revealed plans to invest ₹1,000 crore over the next three years, describing the summit as an important platform to showcase investment opportunities in the state. Similarly, Rudra Pratap, Vice Chancellor of Plaksha University, said ₹950 crore has already been committed for developing the institution and announced an additional ₹5,000 crore investment plan to strengthen innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.Industry representatives from companies such as Arisudana Industries, Sanatan Polycot, and Ganga Acrowools Ltd also expressed appreciation for the Punjab government’s support to the industrial sector. Ajay Datani of Sanatan Polycot highlighted that Punjab is becoming one of the most promising industrial destinations due to its efficient implementation and nurturing of industrial projects.Meanwhile, Ashish Kumar, managing director of Vervio India, emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainable development through its paddy straw-based compressed biogas plant in Punjab, which has a production capacity of 33 tonnes per day. He added that farmers in the state are key stakeholders in the initiative, further strengthening the link between industry and agriculture.read more :- WPI Rises to 2.13% in February Due to Rising Clothing Prices
India's WPI inflation at 2.13% in Feb amid higher textile pricesIndia’s wholesale price inflation (WPI) rose to 2.13% year-on-year in February 2026, compared to 1.81% in January, driven by higher prices of manufactured goods, food items, and textiles, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The overall WPI index increased slightly to 158.2 in February from 157.8 in January, while month-on-month inflation stood at 0.25%. The rise in inflation was largely supported by price increases in manufacturing, food products, basic metals, non-food articles, and textiles.Within the manufacturing sector—the largest component of the WPI basket—the index rose 0.47% month-on-month to 148.2. Out of 22 industry groups, 16 recorded price increases, including textiles, food products, electrical equipment, and chemicals, while five saw declines.The textiles segment registered a 0.71% monthly rise, taking its index to 141.4 in February. On a yearly basis, textile inflation climbed to 3.29%, up from 2.48% in January, indicating stronger price pressures in the sector.The wearing apparel category also showed a mild increase, with prices rising 0.13% month-on-month and 2.14% year-on-year.Among broader WPI groups, primary articles inflation stood at 3.27%, while fluctuations in fuel and manufactured goods further influenced overall price movements.Overall, the data indicates that producer-level inflationary pressure is gradually building across multiple sectors, particularly textiles and manufacturing.read more :- Crisis on Barwani cotton trade due to Iran-Israel war
Iran-Israel war's impact on Barwani's cotton trade, fear of export stallingThe impact of the Iran-Israel war is now visible on the cotton trade of Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh. Increasing uncertainty in international sea routes may affect imports and exports, which has increased concerns among local traders.According to Gopal Tayal, a cotton trader from Barwani and president of the Cotton Association, India's cotton trade largely depends on international import-export. India imports long staple cotton from countries like America, Brazil and Australia.Transportation costs will increase due to sea routes being affectedGopal Tayal, local cotton trader of the district and president of the Cotton Association, said that in the current war situation, many countries including America are involved in it in some way or the other, due to which global business activities are being affected. Important sea routes near Iran, especially the Gulf of Hormuz, have become extremely sensitive.If this route is affected, ships will have to take a longer detour through Africa, which will significantly increase transportation costs and make trade expensive.Pressure may increase on cotton and textile industryIndia imports cotton in large quantities from America, while the clothes and readymade garments produced here are exported to many countries in Europe. But due to the war, instability in the markets of Europe has also increased.If exports are disrupted, finished goods may remain stuck within the country, which will increase the pressure of goods in the market and the textile industry may have to suffer huge losses.Transportation is expensive, prices of clothes increase by 30-35%Traders say transportation costs have increased due to disruption in ship movement in the Strait of Hormuz and costly war risk insurance. Due to increase in the prices of raw materials, the prices of finished clothes are also increasing by about 30-35 percent and exports have almost come to a standstill.Traders said that it is necessary to establish peace soon, so that international trade can become normal and the cotton and textile industry can be saved from losses.read more :- The rupee closed 02 paise higher at 92.42 against the dollar.
On Monday, the Indian rupee closed 02 paise higher at 92.42 against the dollar, after opening at 92.44.At close, the Sensex was up 938.93 points or 1.26 percent at 75,502.85, and the Nifty was up 257.70 points or 1.11 percent at 23,408.80. About 1410 shares advanced, 2772 shares declined, and 157 shares unchanged.read more :- Purchase of 19.16 lakh quintals of cotton in Parbhani and Hingoli
19.16 lakh quintals of cotton purchased in Parbhani, HingoliParbhani: Season 2025-26 is in its last phase and till Thursday (12th), CCI (Cotton Corporation of India) and private sector purchased 19 lakh 16 thousand 972 quintals of cotton in Parbhani and Hingoli districts. Out of this, CCI purchased 10 lakh 33 thousand 191 quintals, while the private sector purchased 8 lakh 83 thousand 781 quintals of cotton.At 14 centers in these two districts, 88,377 farmers had registered to sell cotton at guaranteed prices at CCI centers through the Cotton Kisan mobile app. At the beginning of the cotton procurement season, the open market price was below the guaranteed price.This caused a break in CCI cotton procurement. Most farmers kept cotton at home, hoping that prices would rise further in the open market. But open market prices fell in February. For this reason the farmers went back to CCI. CCI had extended the deadline for purchasing cotton till Sunday (15th).But due to holidays, many farmers could not sell cotton at CCI centres. Due to cotton prices being lower than the guaranteed price in the open market, farmers have demanded extension of the CCI cotton purchase deadline till March 31.read more :- Rupee Opens 1 Paisa Higher at 92.44
Rupee Opens 1 Paisa Higher at 92.44/USDThe Indian Rupee opened 1 paisa higher at 92.44 against the dollar on Monday, compared to its Friday close of 92.45.READ MORE :- "2025-26 CCI Cotton Sales – State Wise Details"
State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 SeasonThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised its cotton prices by ₹200–₹400 per candy during this week . Till date, CCI has sold approximately 20,08,100 cotton bales for the 2025-26 season. Sales are highly concentrated in a few major cotton-producing states, Maharashtra and Gujarat emerging as the leading contributors.
CCI Raises Cotton Prices by ₹200–₹400 per Candy; Weekly Auction Sales Cross 6.4 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised its cotton prices by ₹200–₹400 per candy during the week from March 09 to March 13, 2026, while continuing its routine online auctions across multiple procurement centers. The auctions witnessed strong participation from textile mills and cotton traders, resulting in robust weekly sales of about 6,41,500 bales from the 2025–26 crop along with 1,900 bales from the previous 2024–25 season.Day-wise Auction PerformanceMarch 09, 2026:CCI began the week with strong momentum, selling 1,48,700 bales from the 2025–26 crop.Mills purchased 71,600 balesTraders accounted for 77,100 balesMarch 10, 2026:Sales moderated slightly, with 85,000 bales sold, all from the current season’s crop.Mills purchased 44,900 balesTraders bought 40,100 balesMarch 11, 2026:The corporation sold 1,14,300 bales from the 2025–26 crop and 1,900 bales from the 2024–25 crop.Mills purchased 27,300 bales, including 1,900 bales from the previous seasonTraders bought 88,900 balesMarch 12, 2026:Total sales reached 76,600 bales, all from the current season.Mills purchased 38,600 balesTraders accounted for 38,000 balesMarch 13, 2026:The week concluded with strong auction activity, recording the highest daily sales of 2,16,900 bales, entirely from the 2025–26 crop.Mills purchased 76,500 balesTraders bought 1,40,400 balesCumulative Sales UpdateFollowing the latest auctions, CCI’s total sales reached:20,08,100 bales for the 2025–26 season98,85,100 bales for the 2024–25 season
Western Zone Consultation on Union Budget 2026–27 Textile Initiatives Held in MumbaiA consultation meeting with Western Zone States on the textile sector initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 was held in Mumbai under the chairpersonship of Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. Senior officials including Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary; Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary (Fibre); Vrunda Manohar Desai, Textile Commissioner, Mumbai; and Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy Director General participated in the meeting.The consultation brought together representatives from Western Zone State Governments, industry associations and stakeholders across the textile value chain to discuss effective implementation of the initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.Key initiatives discussed included Samarth 2.0 for large-scale skilling across the textile value chain; the National Fibre Scheme (2026–2031) to strengthen the raw material base and boost domestic fibre production; the Tex Eco Initiative – Mission for Sustainable Textiles to promote sustainability and cleaner production; and the Textile Expansion and Employment (TEEM) Scheme aimed at modernising textile clusters, improving productivity and generating employment.The meeting also reviewed the expansion of Mega Textile Parks and initiatives to strengthen traditional sectors through the National Handloom and Handicraft Programme (NHHP) and the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative.Addressing the participants, Secretary (Textiles) Neelam Shami Rao highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism and stakeholder engagement in implementing these initiatives to enhance competitiveness, promote sustainable growth and generate employment in the textile sector.Additional Secretary Rohit Kansal also briefed participants on the key textile-related announcements in the Union Budget 2026–27 and invited States and industry stakeholders to participate in Bharat Tex 2026 to be held from 14–17 July 2026 in New Delhi.The consultation is part of a series of regional meetings being conducted by the Ministry of Textiles to gather feedback from States and stakeholders before finalising the implementation framework for the textile sector initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.read more:- Infra work completed in Amravati PM Mitra Park, Maharashtra
Maharasthra: Infra works at Amravati’s PM Mitra Textile Park completedAmravati: The PM MITRA Textile Park in Amravati has completed its first phase of infrastructure development. Union textile secretary Neelam Shami Rao visited the park on Friday and expressed satisfaction with the progress.The park, spread over 1,020 acres, has completed key infrastructure projects, including roads, drainage, cable laying, street lighting, and water supply systems. A 100-acre solar power plant is also planned, and a Dutch company is investing in a cotton processing and R&D center on 66 acres. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in the region. District Collector Ashish Yerekar highlighted the park's potential to boost industrial growth in the area.The PM MITRA scheme aims to create seven integrated textile parks across India, attracting Rs70,000 crore in investments and generating 20 lakh jobs.read more :- Cotton import estimates cut amid high global prices: CAI
CAI cuts 2025-26 cotton import forecast to 47 lakh bales amid higher global prices and weaker rupeeFirm global cotton prices, a weakening rupee and rising freight costs linked to the West Asia conflict have led the Cotton Association of India (CAI) to trim its cotton import projections for the 2025-26 season (ending September) by about 3 lakh bales to 47 lakh bales.The revised estimate is lower than CAI’s earlier projection of 50 lakh bales.According to CAI President Vinay N. Kotak, the upward movement in international cotton prices and the depreciation of the rupee have made imports more expensive. At the same time, domestic cotton prices have stabilised, making Indian cotton relatively cheaper or on par with the replacement cost of imported fibre. Rising freight rates and longer transit times due to the ongoing West Asia war have also discouraged imports.Despite the downward revision, imports for 2025-26 are still expected to be higher than last year’s 41 lakh bales. By the end of February, around 36 lakh bales had already arrived in the country, as mills and traders rushed shipments to take advantage of the duty-free import window that remained in place until the end of December.Looking ahead, CAI believes India’s cotton exports could gain momentum. Kotak noted that a further depreciation of the rupee and a rise in international cotton prices—possibly linked to higher crude oil prices—could improve the competitiveness of Indian cotton in global markets. India’s geographical proximity also provides an advantage for supplying nearby markets such as Bangladesh and China, which may turn to India to meet their immediate requirements.For now, CAI has retained its cotton export estimate for the 2025-26 season at 15 lakh bales. By the end of February, about 7 lakh bales had been shipped overseas.On the production side, CAI has slightly raised its crop estimate by 3.5 lakh bales to 320.5 lakh bales (of 170 kg each), citing better-than-expected output in states such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Yields have improved particularly in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, as well as in Karnataka and Telangana.The association has also revised its consumption estimate upward by 10 lakh bales to 315 lakh bales for the 2025-26 season. Cotton consumption until February 2026 is estimated at 131.25 lakh bales.As a result of these adjustments, CAI now projects closing stocks at the end of the 2025-26 season at 98.09 lakh bales—around 9.5 lakh bales lower than its earlier estimate.read more :- Cotton Status Report (as on 28/02/2026)
A SUMMARISE REPORT ON PRESENT COTTON SCENARIO (POSITION AS ON 28/02/2026) (Each bale170 kgs.)▪️Total pressing estimate during crop year 2025-2026 is estimated as 320.50 lakh bales & upto 28-02-2026 total 260.96 lakh bales have been pressed. Considering above till Feb-2026 end total availability of cotton may be assesed as 357.55 lakh bales including import of 36.00 lakh bales and Opening stock of 60.59 lakh bales.▪️Cotton consumption in this cotton season may touch 315 lakh bales and upto 28-02-2026 about 131.25 lakh bales reported as consumed. (SIS)▪️Export upto Feb 2026 end is found total 7.00 lakh bales against estimation for this season year of 15.00 lakh bales.▪️It is revealed that during current crop end total 47.00 lakh bales may be imported. Upto 28 Feb 2025 about 36 lakh bales have been arrived at different indian ports. (SIS)▪️Kepping in view the above , total available stock as on 28.02.2026 is calculated to the tune 357.55 lakh bales, consisting of opening stock, total pressing & import. (SIS)▪️As on 28 Feb 2026 stock with the mills is found to the tune of 75.00 lakh bales where as with CCI/MFED MNCS, Ginner , Treaders and Exporters it comes around 144.30 lakh bales.read more :- Target to reach $465 billion market through FTA: Giriraj Singh
Textile sector should scale up to gain from market access of $465 billion via FTAs, says Union Minister Giriraj SinghIndia’s textile sector should scale up production to take advantage of the $465 billion market access created through free trade agreements (FTAs), Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said. He urged the industry to aim for $200 billion in textile exports by expanding its global presence and improving competitiveness.Speaking at the launch of Bharat Tex 2026, Singh emphasised the need for the industry to extend its export cycle. Currently active for around four months in global markets, the sector should work towards sustaining exports for eight months and eventually building a year-round, 12-month export cycle.Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao said the government will organise roadshows both in India and abroad to attract global buyers. She encouraged the industry to diversify into new markets and products while showcasing the strength and quality of Indian textiles.Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, said Bharat Tex 2026 aims to integrate the entire textile value chain. The event will feature a large global exhibition, policy dialogues with more than 50 core sessions and 100 additional discussions, and extensive B2B meetings with international buyers.Singh also stressed the importance of building a complete domestic supply chain for the textile industry. He called for a 24×7 engagement system with global buyers and urged greater domestic manufacturing of sewing machines, noting a sharp rise in their imports in the past decade.The third edition of Bharat Tex will be held from July 14 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event is expected to host over 3,500 exhibitors, more than 7,000 international buyers from over 140 countries, and around 1,30,000 trade visitors, showcasing the entire textile ecosystem from fibres and yarns to garments, technical textiles, and sustainable innovations.read more :- Rupee fell 11 paise to close at 92.45 per dollar
The Indian rupee on Friday lower 11 paise to close at 92.45 per dollar, while it opened at 92.34 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 1,470.50 points or 1.93 percent at 74,563.92, and the Nifty was down 488.05 points or 2.06 percent at 23,151.10. About 899 shares advanced, 3200 shares declined, and 125 shares unchanged.read more :- Bhilwara textile industry affected by West Asia conflict
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Procurement Crisis: Farmers Seek Extension of CCI Deadline | 17-03-2026 12:00:03 | view |
| Rupee Opens 3 Paise Higher at 92.39 | 17-03-2026 09:13:42 | view |
| Nahar Group will invest Rs 1,500 crore in Punjab | 16-03-2026 17:28:09 | view |
| “WPI Inflation Rises to 2.13% in February as Textile Prices Strengthen” | 16-03-2026 17:09:26 | view |
| Crisis on Barwani cotton trade due to Iran-Israel war | 16-03-2026 16:56:37 | view |
| The rupee closed 02 paise higher at 92.42 against the dollar. | 16-03-2026 15:40:07 | view |
| Purchase of 19.16 lakh quintals of cotton in Parbhani and Hingoli | 16-03-2026 11:36:16 | view |
| Rupee Opens 1 Paisa Higher at 92.44 | 16-03-2026 09:19:07 | view |
| "2025-26 CCI Cotton Sales – State Wise Details" | 14-03-2026 15:20:41 | view |
| CCI Raises Cotton Prices by ₹200–₹400; 6.4 Lakh Bales Sold in Auctions | 14-03-2026 12:54:01 | view |
| Union Budget 2026-27: Textile Consultations in Mumbai | 14-03-2026 12:18:49 | view |
| Infra work completed in Amravati PM Mitra Park, Maharashtra | 14-03-2026 11:09:25 | view |
| Cotton import estimates cut amid high global prices: CAI | 14-03-2026 10:55:43 | view |
| Cotton Status Report (as on 28/02/2026) | 13-03-2026 17:11:36 | view |
| Target to reach $465 billion market through FTA: Giriraj Singh | 13-03-2026 17:00:12 | view |
| Rupee fell 11 paise to close at 92.45 per dollar | 13-03-2026 15:41:12 | view |
