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HTBT Cotton: 'HTBT' has created a stir in the cotton marketFarmers' Income: Like last season, this year too HTBT (Herbicide Tolerant BT Cotton) cotton was planted on a large scale in Vidarbha and Khandesh. Due to farmers getting satisfactory income compared to the cost of production, the market is indicating the possibility of increase in the inclination of farmers towards the cultivation of this seed in this season also. However, the increasing use of HTBT seeds is becoming a matter of concern for traditional cotton seed producing companies in the state.According to cotton experts, due to lack of sales in the last season, huge returns have been seen in BT cotton seeds of many renowned companies. Barring a few companies, most of the companies were hit financially. Not only the manufacturing companies but also the seed sellers had to bear the brunt of this situation. Due to non-sale, stock got stuck and financial transactions were affected.In this background, the vendors also tried to draw the attention of the local administration against illegal sale of HTBT in the last season. But in reality the systems have not been able to achieve the expected success in controlling the distribution of this seed. The picture shows that the administration is helpless due to the collusion of the supply chain in every village.Registration from next weekMeanwhile, booking (registration) of seed companies for this season will start from next week. Currently more than 50 seed supply companies are operating in the market. There is good demand for cotton varieties of seven to eight companies. But looking at the increasing influence of HTBT in the last two years, there is a fear that these major companies may also be hit this year.It is well known that HTBT seeds are supplied in large quantities from outside states, especially Gujarat. Its network has been strengthened at the local level and it is likely that the supply of this seed will start soon for the new season also. Sources said that this has created a big challenge for the official seed market.Various farmer organizations have responded that HT (Herbicide Tolerant) technology is genetic modification of seeds. This allows the use of herbicides in cotton or other crops. There is no damage to the root crop. Thanks to this technology, weed control can be done by saving the labor cost of farmers. There are restrictions on its use in India. But we believe that whatever secret cultivation of HTBT cotton is being done today is part of a citizen movement against government policies.Administration desperateIt appears that the state machinery is completely failing to control the illegal supply of HTBT seeds in the state. Even though this seed is being planted in the villages, the concerned departments are not able to ascertain it concretely.The government had initially banned these seeds in the country for 10 years. It's been quite some time now. The government should address the issues pointed out by the Supreme Court in this regard. Also, there is no problem in removing the existing ban on seeds and making this technology available to farmers.read more :- Cotton imports increased, purchases intensified due to fall in prices

India’s Cotton Imports Surge in 2025 as Lower Global Prices Drive Buying Spree | India’s cotton imports recorded a sharp increase in 2025, with volumes rising by 130% and import value climbing 92.5% year-on-year, reflecting a significant shift in sourcing dynamics within the textile sector.The surge was primarily driven by a decline in global cotton prices, which made overseas procurement more attractive for domestic buyers. Average import prices fell notably during the year, encouraging higher purchasing by textile manufacturers seeking cost efficiencies and improved raw material quality.India’s total cotton import volumes rose substantially compared to the previous year, surpassing earlier benchmarks and signalling a strong demand push from the domestic textile industry.The shift in sourcing patterns was also evident in supplier rankings, with Brazil emerging as the leading exporter of cotton to India, overtaking traditional supplier Australia. This change underscores a broader transition towards a volume-led import strategy aligned with global price competitiveness.The increase in imports comes amid evolving market conditions in India’s textile sector, where manufacturers are balancing cost pressures, supply constraints and quality requirements. Lower international prices have made imported cotton a viable alternative, even as India remains one of the world’s largest producers of the fibre.The trend highlights the growing integration of India’s textile value chain with global commodity markets, particularly during periods of price volatility and domestic supply fluctuations.read more :- The rupee opened 20 paise lower at 94.17.

The rupee opened 20 paise lower at 94.17 per USD.The Indian rupee opened 20 paise lower on Friday at 94.17 per dollar, whereas it had closed at 93.97 on Wednesday.READ MORE :- PAU: Cotton area reduced, revival plan for 2026

PAU Calls for Urgent Revival Plan as Cotton Area Declines; Targets Set for Kharif 2026Concerned over the continuous decline in cotton cultivation in northern states, experts and policymakers have called for immediate corrective measures to revive the crop and restore farmer interest.The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Interstate Consultative and Monitoring Committee on Cotton held at Kheti Bhawan in Bathinda, chaired by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal.Sharp Decline in Cotton AcreageGosal highlighted that cotton cultivation area in the region has fallen drastically from about 7 lakh hectares in the 1980s to nearly 1 lakh hectare in 2024. However, due to recent efforts by the state government and agricultural institutions, the area has slightly improved to 1.19 lakh hectares, with a target of 1.26 lakh hectares set for the upcoming season.Key Challenges IdentifiedExperts attributed the decline to multiple factors, including:Increasing pest attacks such as pink bollworm and whiteflyCotton leaf curl virus infestationAdverse climatic and weather conditionsBiotic and abiotic stress on cropsThese challenges have reduced productivity and discouraged farmers from continuing cotton cultivation.Kharif 2026 Revival StrategyFor the Kharif 2026 season, PAU outlined a roadmap focusing on:Timely availability of high-quality, recommended seedsSubsidies on Bt cotton to encourage adoptionAssured canal irrigation before sowingPromotion of balanced fertilizer use to improve yieldGosal stressed that coordinated efforts among all stakeholders are essential to manage pest pressure and restore profitability in cotton farming.read more :- Cotton becomes expensive in India due to Iran-Israel tension

Iran-Israel tensions hit cotton supply in India; prices surgeCHENNAI: Escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have begun to impact India’s cotton supply, pushing up prices and putting pressure on spinning mills and textile manufacturers, said a report by Daily Thanthi. Despite the Centre rolling out special schemes to boost cotton production, output has been declining steadily.For the current cotton year (October 2025 to September 2026), production is expected to fall to around 29 million bales (1 bale = 170 kg), lower than the past three years.To bridge the gap, India relies on imports from countries such as the United States, Brazil and South Africa.However, shipments ordered in January have been delayed due to disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict.With domestic availability already tight, the delay in imports has further squeezed supply, triggering a sharp rise in prices.The cost of a cotton candy (356 kg) has increased by Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 within a week.Industry sources warn that the spike has pushed spinning mills and textile units into financial strain.If the trend continues, yarn prices may also rise, potentially impacting the broader textile sector.read more :- CCI closed, cotton purchase shifted to private market

Resilient export growth continues, India crosses $714 billion in FY26 (Apr–Jan)India’s total exports of goods and services reached USD 714.73 billion during April–January of FY 2025–26, registering a 5.26% increase compared to USD 679.02 billion in the same period last year. The growth highlights the resilience of India’s trade sector despite global economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and volatile commodity prices.Over the past few years, India’s exports have shown a steady upward trend. From USD 497.90 billion in 2020–21, exports rose to USD 828.25 billion in 2024–25, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. This sustained expansion underscores India’s strengthening position in global trade.The government continues to support export growth through policy measures, financial incentives, and digital infrastructure. A key focus remains on empowering MSMEs by improving access to markets, finance, and logistics support.The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 emphasizes trade facilitation, export promotion, and digital integration. Schemes such as RoDTEP help offset embedded taxes, ensuring Indian products remain competitive in global markets.Additionally, the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), with an outlay of Rs 25,060 crore for FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, aims to strengthen trade finance, logistics, and quality standards. A special ‘RELIEF’ scheme under EPM, implemented via ECGC, addresses risks arising from geopolitical disruptions.India is also enhancing trade infrastructure and leveraging digital platforms such as Trade e-Connect and the Certificate of Origin system to streamline processes. The country currently has 19 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in place and is negotiating new ones with partners including the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK).read more :- Rupee fell 02 paise to close at 93.97 per dollar

The Indian rupee on Wednesday lower 02  paise to close at 93.97 per dollar, while it opened at 93.95 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 1,205 points or 1.63 percent at 75,273.45, and the Nifty was up 394.05 points or 1.72 percent at 23,306.45. About 2841 shares advanced, 1309 shares declined, and 134 shares unchanged.read more :- CCI closed, cotton purchase shifted to private market

Cotton purchase from CCI stopped: Farmers turned to private traders, purchased more than 1500 quintals of cotton in a weekSince CCI has closed cotton procurement centers in the district from March 13, farmers now have no option but to buy cotton from private traders. Farmers of the district including Khamgaon are selling the cotton kept in their homes to private traders.After CCI procurement stops, private traders will buy cotton by paying Rs 100 to 200 more than CCI. On this hope, about ten percent of the farmers of the taluka kept the cotton at home. Now when the hope of price rise is gone and CCI procurement has stopped and seeing that even its deadline will not be met and it is dangerous to store cotton at home during summer days, farmers of various villages are taking vehicles to the factories of private traders and counting it in their pards and giving money hand over hand. The situation is similar in the district as well as in Khamgaon. At present, it is known that only three private traders, Amit Goenka, Vasant Pandey and Trilokchandra Agarwal, are purchasing cotton in Khamgaon and currently BT cotton is coming for sale in the market.Three private traders of Khamgaon city have purchased more than one and a half thousand quintals of cotton in the last eight days. It has been told that 231 quintals of paddy was purchased on March 14, 156 quintals on 16th, 204 quintals on 17th, 271 quintals on 18th, 285 quintals on 19th, 205 quintals on 20th, 131 quintals on 21st and 172 quintals on 23rd.The cotton sold by farmers on March 23 was purchased at a higher price on Monday by private traders at a price of Rs 7400 to Rs 7700 per quintal. This price is Rs 300 more than the cotton purchased before March 23. In such a situation, the farmers who sold cotton on March 23 got a higher price.read more :- Rupee Opens 8 Paise Lower at 93.95

Rupee Opens 8 Paise Lower at 93.95/USDThe Indian Rupee opened 8 paise lower at 93.95 against the US dollar on Wednesday, compared to its Tuesday closing level of 93.87.READ MORE :- Rupee fell 24 paise to close at 93.87 per dollar 

The Indian rupee on Tuesday lower 24  paise to close at 93.87 per dollar, while it opened at 93.63 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 1,372.06 points or 1.89 percent at 74,068.45, and the Nifty was up 445.15 points or 1.98 percent at 22,957.80. About 2843 shares advanced, 1257 shares declined, and 152 shares unchanged.read more :- RoDTEP scheme reinstated: Decision to provide financial support to exporters

India restores RoDTEP benefits to cushion exporters amid war India has restored the rates and value caps under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for all eligible export products with effect from March 23.“The RoDTEP rates and value caps, as applicable on February 22, 2026, are hereby restored with effect from February 23, 2026, to March 31, 2026, for all eligible export products,” a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said.The decision has been taken keeping in view the evolving geopolitical situation and its implications for maritime trade.The step is intended to provide timely support to Indian exporters facing elevated freight costs and war-related trade risks arising from disruptions in the Gulf and the wider West Asia maritime corridor, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a release.The restored rates shall be those that were in force as on February 22, 2026, thereby withdrawing the earlier restriction of 50 per cent imposed on February 23.Welcoming the decision, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) said as textile and apparel exporters typically operate under narrow margins, the decision will relieve some of the pressure on margins faced by exporters in this arena.read more :- JL Oswal invests ₹1,550 crore in Punjab