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On Friday, the Indian Rupee opened at 96.28 against the US Dollar and strengthened by 60 paise by the end of trading, closing at 95.68.The Sensex closed at 75,415.35, gaining 231.99 points or 0.31 percent, while the Nifty settled at 23,719.30, rising 64.60 points or 0.27 percent.Read More :-  Bhakra Canal Water Released in Hanumangarh, Farmers to Get Irrigation for Cotton and Kharif Sowing

From cotton to paddy: Why Haryana farmers are changing course.Between 2020 and 2025, Haryana’s cropping pattern has undergone a marked transformation. The area under rice cultivation expanded from 1,525.77 hectares in 2020 to 1,867.51 hectares in 2025, while cotton acreage shrank from 719.86 hectares to just 401.05 hectares. This shift reflects farmers’ growing preference for paddy, which offers assured procurement and stable returns. In contrast, cotton has become increasingly unviable due to pest attacks, declining Bt‑cotton resistance, and mounting cultivation losses.Why is paddy the top choice?Farmers cite profitability as the main reason for choosing paddy. According to Mandeep Nathwan, president of farmers’ organisation Pagri Sambhal Jatta Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, paddy can generate an income of nearly Rs 80,000 per acre, leaving a profit of about Rs 50,000 even after deducting expenses.Farmer activist Rakesh Bains from Kurukshetra echoes this view, noting that alternative crops yield only around Rs 50,000 per acre compared to paddy’s Rs 80,000, making rice the more attractive option.Which crops have Haryana farmers switched from?Former Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientist Virender Lather explains that farmers have shifted from cotton, maize, jowar, pulses, and oilseeds to paddy in recent years, with cotton losing the most ground.Bt‑cotton, once resistant to pests like the pink bollworm, has lost its effectiveness as pests have adapted over time. Farmers now spend heavily on pesticides but still face yields as low as two quintals per acre, far below the eight quintals needed for profitability. This leaves them with losses of nearly Rs 15,000 per acre.What has the government done to promote crop diversification?Recognising the risks of farmers shifting to water‑intensive paddy, the Haryana government has introduced measures to promote diversification. Under the ‘Mera Pani Meri Virasat’ scheme, farmers receive Rs 8,000 per acre for cultivating less water‑consuming crops such as pulses, cotton, and maize. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini recently announced that Rs 157 crore has been distributed over 2.20 lakh acres under this scheme. Additional incentives include up to an 85 per cent subsidy for micro‑irrigation technologies, rainwater harvesting, and pond construction.What do experts and farmers suggest?To encourage sustainable practices within rice cultivation itself, the government offers Rs 4,000 per acre for adopting Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), which uses less water than traditional transplanting. However, experts like Virender Lather argue that the incentive is too low to change farmer behaviour and even suggest banning traditional paddy cultivation to restore Haryana’s falling water table. Farmers, meanwhile, stress that better marketing and procurement facilities for alternative crops are essential if diversification is to succeed.READ MORE :- Indian Rupee Opens 8 Paise Lower Against US Dollar at 96.28

The Rupee opened 8 paise lower at 96.28 against the USD.On Friday, the Indian Rupee opened 8 paise lower against the Dollar at 96.28, whereas it had closed at 96.20 on Thursday.Read more:-  Bhakra Canal Irrigation Water Released in Rajasthan; Cotton and Narma Sowing to Accelerate

Rajasthan: Irrigation Water from Bhakra Canal System Starts Today; Cotton and Narma Sowing Set to Gain MomentumThere is welcome news for farmers in Hanumangarh district. The supply of water for irrigation from the Bhakra canal system commenced on Thursday. The Water Resources Department has issued a new rotation schedule for the Bhakra system, announcing the weekly priority order for the period from May 21 to May 29. Under this plan, canals with a capacity of 1,200 cusecs will be operated at their full capacity, while water will be released into smaller canals in accordance with their designated capacities.According to the department, water will flow at a rate of 42 cusecs in the Ratanpura canal, 73 cusecs in Nathwana, 248 cusecs in Pratappura, 261 cusecs in Haripura, 274 cusecs in Deengarh, and 283 cusecs in Suratpura. Additionally, adequate quantities of water will be released into major canals such as Modia, Longwala, Pilibanga, Amarpura, and Rodanwali. The highest volume—2,222 cusecs—will flow through the Sangaria canal.Officials stated that each canal will be operated at full capacity for a period of eight days, after which it will be shut down. Should there be any fluctuation in water levels, necessary adjustments to the regulation schedule will be made following consultations with the concerned officials.Agricultural experts note that the current period is crucial for the sowing of Narma (American cotton) and traditional cotton varieties. Over the past few days, farmers had been facing difficulties in preparing their fields due to intense heat and a scarcity of water. With the arrival of water in the canals, sowing operations are now expected to accelerate.Farmers have expressed optimism that if the water supply remains consistent in the coming days, the production of cotton, Narma, and other Kharif crops will be bountiful. Furthermore, the increased availability of water in rural areas is expected to provide residents with much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat.read more :- Government Rejects ‘Dumping Ground’ Tag, Defends India’s Textile Recycling Ecosystem

Labeling India a 'Dumping Ground' for Textile Waste is Misleading: Central GovernmentNew Delhi: Defending India's textile recycling ecosystem, the Central Government has stated that characterizing the country as a "dumping ground" for textile waste is misleading and contrary to facts. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Textiles asserted that India possesses one of the world's largest textile recovery and recycling networks, underpinned by long-standing mechanisms for reuse and recycling.The Ministry noted that recent international media reports—which focused on textile clusters such as Panipat—exaggerated concerns regarding environmental impact and labor safety, while overlooking the progress achieved within the sector toward sustainability, regulatory reforms, and the adoption of new technologies.The government unequivocally stated that portraying the Indian textile industry as environmentally negligent or structurally exploitative is erroneous; such characterizations fail to acknowledge the ongoing corrective efforts and sustainability-driven initiatives within the sector.According to the Ministry, approximately 7,073 kilotons of textile waste are generated in India annually. Citing the study "Mapping of Textile Waste Value Chain in India 2026," the government highlighted that nearly 97 percent of pre-consumer textile waste—generated during the manufacturing process—is recycled.The government also refuted claims suggesting that India is becoming a primary destination for fast-fashion waste from Western nations. According to the Ministry, out of the approximately 7.8 million tons of textile waste managed within the country, over 90 percent is generated domestically, whereas imported waste accounts for a share of only about 7 percent. Citing a report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Ministry stated that the textile waste ecosystem generates economic activity worth approximately ₹22,000 crore annually within the country.The government also referred to a study conducted by researchers at IIT Delhi, which, based on data from the Panipat cluster, found that textile recycling leads to a reduction of approximately 40 percent in environmental impacts—such as greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption—compared to the production of virgin fibers.While the government acknowledged that challenges related to post-consumer waste management, unorganized sector units, and worker safety still persist, it noted that the industry is continuously moving towards more formalized systems, cleaner technologies, and improved environmental compliance.The Ministry further stated that textile recycling units operate under existing environmental and labor laws, and various regulatory agencies—including the National Green Tribunal (NGT)—are taking action against units found to be in violation of these regulations.read more :- The rupee closed 10 paisa higher against the dollar at 96.20

The Indian Rupee opened at 96.30 against the US Dollar on Thursday and strengthened by 10 paise by the end of trading, closing at 96.20.At close, Sensex was down 135 points at 75,183 and Nifty 50 was down over 4 points to 23,655. This came even as India VIX, which measures volatility in markets, declined over 3% to 17.82 by the end of the session.read more :- AI Smart App Launched for Bharat Tex 2026

Ministry of Textiles Launches AI-Powered Smart App for Bharat Tex 2026The Ministry of Textiles has launched an AI-powered smart event app for Bharat Tex 2026, a global textile event organized under the aegis of the Ministry. The objective of this app is to make the entire event more digital, interactive, and commercially effective, thereby fostering better coordination among exhibitors, buyers, delegates, sourcing experts, speakers, and visitors.A standout feature of this platform is its AI-based smart assistant, which provides 24×7 conversational assistance. Users can instantly access the event schedule, venue information, directions, services, and other essential details simply by asking questions in natural language. This ensures that participants do not waste time searching for information during the event, making their overall experience much smoother.The app also incorporates a robust business networking system, enabling exhibitors and buyers to identify potential business partners, schedule meetings, and effectively manage their availability. All meetings and interactions can be digitally tracked, thereby enhancing transparency and efficiency in business operations.For exhibitors, a ‘Lead Wallet’ and a QR-based lead capture system are also available, allowing them to securely store contact information by scanning visitors' digital badges. This simplifies and streamlines the post-event follow-up process.Additionally, the app offers features such as interactive floor plans, booth location search, and stall-level navigation. An ‘Exhibitor Discovery Module’ is available for international buyers, enabling them to search for companies based on category, name, and product type. Real-time updates, personalized schedules, and an alert system further enhance the platform's capabilities, positioning Bharat Tex 2026 as a smart and global business platform.read more :- Scientists Advise Timely Cotton Sowing

Cotton Cultivation Promises Better Profits for Farmers; Scientists Advise Timely SowingAs the Kharif season approaches, preparations for cotton cultivation have intensified. Farmers in the district are now focusing their attention on sowing cotton, as this crop is considered economically lucrative. According to agricultural experts, the region's climate is favorable for cotton production, and sowing at the right time can lead to a significant increase in yield.Dr. Rajiv Singh, a senior agricultural scientist in Khargone, has advised farmers to commence cotton sowing after May 25th. He explained that during this period, temperatures gradually begin to drop, and early monsoon activity sets in—conditions that create a favorable environment for seed germination and the initial growth of the plants. Sowing undertaken during this specific window proves beneficial for both the quality and the overall production of the crop.Scientists also emphasize that farmers must, under all circumstances, complete their cotton sowing by the end of June. Any delay in sowing has a direct adverse impact on the crop's growth and productive potential. In late-sown crops, plant growth tends to be stunted, resulting in a reduced overall yield.Although the cost of cultivation remains largely unchanged, a decline in production inevitably leads to diminished profits for farmers. Consequently, timely sowing is being regarded as the most critical phase in successful cotton cultivation. Experts have advised farmers to adopt appropriate techniques and effective time management strategies to maximize their earnings, thereby enabling them to achieve higher yields at a lower cost.read more :- CPI Opposes Cotton Import Duty Removal

Centre’s move to remove import duty on cotton will hit farmers hard, fears CPI ANDRA PRADESH : Calling for Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s intervention, CPI leader Eswaraiah says further relaxation of import duty and export restrictions during 2026 kharif will deepen the agrarian crisisCPI State secretary G. Eswaraiah has urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to intervene and withdraw proposals seeking removal of the 11% import duty on cotton and restrictions on cotton exports from India, alleging that such measures will severely harm cotton farmers.In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister on Wednesday, Mr. Eswaraiah referred to reports stating that Union Minister Piyush Goyal had discussed cotton price stabilisation measures with Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and others. According to the reports, proposals were made to remove the 11% import duty on cotton and regulate exports.Mr. Eswaraiah said cotton traders, spinning mills and textile corporations were benefiting from cheaper foreign cotton, while domestic farmers suffered heavy financial losses. He also alleged that the Cotton Corporation of India incurred significant losses due to unsold stocks following the price crash.Describing the proposed measures as “anti-farmer and pro-corporate,” the CPI leader warned that further relaxation of import duties and export restrictions during the 2026 kharif season would deepen the agrarian crisis and increase distress among cotton growers.read more :- Cotton Prices Soar in Tamil Nadu, Touch ₹10,761 per Quintal

Tamil Nadu: Cotton prices hit a new high; sold for Rs 10,761 per quintalChennai : Cotton prices have reached a new high, with cotton selling for Rs 10,761 per quintal at the regulated market auction in Villupuram. While the sharp price increase is bound to cause concern among textile mills, it has also brought enthusiasm among farmers and traders.A report in Daily Thanthi states that during the auction, farmers from cotton-growing hubs like Cuddalore, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, and Perambalur bring their produce to the market.Exceeds last year's recordTypically, cotton sells between Rs 9,000 and Rs 1,000 per quintal. For example, officials said that last year's highest price in the market was Rs 9,700. However, this year, due to increased demand, prices have risen. Traders from Tirupur, Theni, and several other places have come to the Villupuram market in large numbers. This season's increased demand has intensified competition among traders, who are trying to outbid each other to purchase high-quality cotton.Prices likely to rise furtherThe cotton selling season, which began on April 1, will continue until June. Officials said that if the current demand trend continues and arrivals remain low, cotton prices may remain high in the coming weeks.Meanwhile, farmers expressed happiness over the record-breaking price increase, saying the improved rates will help them cover their farming expenses and generate better income this season.READ MORE :- The Rupee opened 52 paise higher against the Dollar at 96.30.

The Rupee opened 52 paise higher at 96.30 against the USD.On Thursday, the Indian Rupee opened 52 paise higher against the Dollar at 96.30, whereas it had closed at 96.82 on Wednesday.Read more:-The rupee closed 4 paise higher at 96.82 against the dollar