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Preparations for ‘White Gold’ Begin in Khargone; Emphasis Placed on Right Farming TechniquesFarmers in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh have intensified their preparations for the upcoming Kharif season. Recognized as the state's largest cotton-producing district, Khargone yields hundreds of thousands of quintals of cotton annually. Given the pivotal role cotton plays in the district's economy, farmers' hopes and expectations are inextricably linked to this crop. However, during every season, farmers often find themselves in a dilemma regarding which cotton variety to choose, frequently gravitating rapidly toward one specific variety. Yet, agricultural scientists maintain that for superior yields, it is not merely the variety that matters, but rather the adoption of correct farming techniques and effective crop management.According to Dr. Rajiv Singh, a senior agricultural scientist in Khargone, BT cotton is cultivated on a large scale across the district during the Kharif season. Known as "White Gold," this crop enjoys robust demand in both domestic and international markets. He noted that almost all currently available BT-2 cotton varieties possess excellent yield potential; therefore, farmers need not chase after any single specific variety.Experts assert that proper field preparation is the primary key to securing a bountiful harvest. Deep plowing, timely sowing, and the judicious use of balanced fertilizers are instrumental in boosting production. Farmers have been advised to apply manure and fertilizers strictly on the basis of soil test results, ensuring the crop receives optimal nutrition while keeping cultivation costs under control.Effective water management and pest control have also been identified as critical factors for the cotton crop. Irrigating as per requirements, preventing waterlogging in the fields, and the timely application of pesticides are essential measures for safeguarding the crop. According to agricultural scientists, if farmers embrace modern techniques and maintain regular vigilance, they can achieve superior yields and higher profits from any good cotton variety.

Special Incentive Scheme to Promote Cotton Cultivation in HaryanaExpressing concern over the continuous decline in cotton cultivation within the state, the Haryana Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has decided to launch a special incentive scheme to encourage farmers to return to cotton farming during this Kharif season. Over the past six years, the area under cotton cultivation in the state has plummeted from approximately 800,000 hectares to a record low of 390,000 hectares in 2024–25. In light of this decline, the Department has established a special wing titled "Promotion of Cotton Cultivation in Haryana" (PCCH).This campaign will be primarily implemented in major cotton-producing districts such as Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Rewari, and Mahendragarh. Among these, Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Hisar are considered Haryana's traditional "Cotton Belt." According to agricultural experts, persistent pest infestations—including the pink bollworm—and subsequent crop losses compelled farmers to abandon cotton in favor of alternative crops like paddy, thereby placing additional strain on irrigation resources.Under this scheme, demonstration plots spanning two acres each will be developed in every district. On these plots, the entire cultivation process—encompassing land preparation, sowing, irrigation, pesticide application, and harvesting—will be meticulously documented using scientific methodologies. These plots will be jointly managed by the Department of Agriculture and scientists from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, ensuring that farmers receive practical, hands-on training.According to Dr. Arun Kumar Yadav, the State Coordinator for PCCH, farmers will be provided with comprehensive information regarding pest identification, disease management, and the balanced application of fertilizers and pesticides. The government is offering financial assistance of ₹2,000 per acre for micronutrients and ₹4,000 per acre for the cultivation of indigenous cotton varieties. To avail of these benefits, it will be mandatory for farmers to register on the "Meri Fasal Mera Byora" portal and submit their purchase bills.read more :- Cotton Prices Cross 10,000—Yet Farmers See No Benefit

Cotton Prices Cross ₹10,000 Per Quintal, Yet Farmers Fail to Reap the BenefitsIn the erstwhile Adilabad district, cotton prices have surged, reaching a high of ₹10,000 per quintal; however, the majority of farmers have failed to reap the benefits of this rise. The primary reason for this is that farmers had already sold their produce earlier at lower prices. Farmers have attributed their losses to market volatility and procurement conditions related to moisture content.Adilabad has witnessed a massive surge in cotton prices this season. Despite this, there is a noticeable lack of enthusiasm among farmers, as most of them had already sold their harvest. Only a select few farmers—those who had safely stored their cotton at home—are now capitalizing on the elevated prices to earn profits.Many farmers state that the cotton market remained subject to constant fluctuations, preventing them from securing fair prices at the opportune moment. Consequently, a large number of farmers have incurred losses in the cultivation of this cash crop.The erstwhile Adilabad district—comprising the districts of Adilabad, Mancherial, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, and Nirmal—is recognized as one of the state's premier cotton-producing regions. Cotton was cultivated across approximately 12.60 lakh acres in this region, yielding an estimated production of 80 lakh quintals.The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) procured approximately 40.25 lakh quintals of cotton, while the remaining produce was purchased by private traders.read more :- The rupee opened 11 paise lower at 95.87 against the dollar

Rupee Opens at 95.87 Against the Dollar Down 11 PaiseOn Friday, the Indian Rupee opened 11 paise lower against the US Dollar at 95.87, whereas it had closed at 95.76 on Thursday. Read More:- The rupee closed 3 paise lower against the dollar at 95.76

After opening at 95.73 in morning trade on Thursday, the Indian rupee slipped 3 paise to close at 95.76.At market close, the Sensex surged 789.74 points, or 1.06 percent, to reach 75,398.72, while the Nifty closed at 23,689.60, gaining 277 points or 1.18 percent.Read More :-  ICE Cotton Futures Climb on Concerns Over Dry US Weather Conditions

ICE Cotton Futures Rise on US Dry Weather WorriesICE cotton futures closed higher on Wednesday as ongoing dry weather concerns in major US cotton-growing regions, especially West Texas, continued to support bullish market sentiment. Traders remained worried about limited rainfall and increasing moisture stress, which could impact crop development and production prospects. Strong speculative buying also kept prices firm throughout the session.The most-active July 2026 cotton contract settled at 86.81 cents per pound, gaining 0.49 cent and marking its second-highest close of the season, as well as the strongest settlement since April 2024. The December 2026 contract ended at 86.46 cents, up 0.18 cent, also recording one of the highest levels of the current rally.Support for cotton prices also came from rising crude oil values, with oil trading above $100 per barrel. Higher energy prices increase the production cost of polyester and other synthetic fibres, improving the competitiveness of natural fibres like cotton. In addition, growing global interest in sustainable and eco-friendly textile materials continued to provide long-term support to cotton demand.Market participants also discussed the possibility of stronger Chinese demand for US cotton, including market rumours about purchases by the Chinese State Reserve. These expectations added further strength to futures trading.Meanwhile, ICE certified cotton stocks increased by 1,160 bales to 185,378 bales as of May 12. In Brazil, consultancy Safras & Mercado estimated the country’s 2025-26 cotton crop at 3.347 million tonnes, slightly below earlier trade expectations.Broader financial markets also influenced cotton trade. Stronger-than-expected US wholesale inflation data reduced hopes of immediate Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, while geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran kept commodity markets volatile. However, firm US equity markets and improved investor confidence supported overall risk appetite.Trading activity remained strong, with total cotton futures volume reaching 81,518 contracts. Open interest rose slightly to 335,218 contracts, indicating traders largely maintained bullish positions, while options trading remained active.Traders are now closely watching upcoming USDA Export Sales data, the CFTC On-Call Report, and the weekly Commitment of Traders (COT) Report for fresh market direction. Overall, cotton futures continue to hold a cautiously bullish tone due to weather risks, delayed US planting, firm crude oil prices, and expectations of stronger export demand.READ MORE :- Rising Costs and Global Headwinds Strain Gujarat’s Textile Industry

Rising costs and global challenges are putting pressure on Gujarat's textile industry.Gujarat's textile industry—widely considered the backbone of India's man-made fiber (MMF) sector—is facing one of the most severe financial downturns in its recent history, with Surat, the textile hub of South Gujarat, at the epicenter of the crisis.A combination of geopolitical tensions in West Asia, rising crude oil prices, increasing yarn costs, declining global demand, and increasing trade pressures have pushed the sector into a deep crisis. According to industry estimates, losses of approximately ₹2,500-₹3,000 crore have been incurred in the last 60 days, and many weaving units are now operating at only about half their installed capacity.Surat, one of India's largest textile production centers, is currently facing a "severe crisis" of "increased costs and weak market demand," as described by industry stakeholders. What began as an external shock linked to geopolitical instability has rapidly transformed into a structural strain on the region's textile economy, severely impacting the profits of manufacturers, traders, and related workers.At the root of this crisis is the sharp rise in crude oil prices, which has directly impacted the MMF value chain. Since most synthetic textile production relies heavily on petroleum-derived raw materials, high crude oil rates have significantly increased yarn prices. Despite the significant increase in input costs, market fabric prices have not adjusted proportionately, leading to a widening gap between production costs and realization.According to Ashok Jirawala, President of the Gujarat Weavers Association (FOGWA), many manufacturers are being forced to sell below production costs to continue operations. He explained that the imbalance between rising input costs and stable market prices has become a persistent burden incurring daily losses across the region.READ MORE :- Tirupur Garment Industry Urges Centre to Scrap Cotton Import Duty

Garment Exporters and Manufacturers from Tirupur Demand Removal of Import Duty on CottonA delegation of garment manufacturers and exporters from Tirupur met with the Union Textiles, Agriculture, and Commerce Ministers in New Delhi on Wednesday to demand the removal of the current 11% import duty on cotton.A. Sakthivel, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, led the delegation. The delegation met with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, as well as Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan.The delegation highlighted the challenges faced by the apparel and textile industry due to high cotton prices and rising input costs. India has recently signed several free trade agreements (FTAs), creating significant opportunities for increased textile and apparel exports. However, while other apparel exporting countries are able to obtain cotton at internationally competitive prices, Indian manufacturers face high raw material prices due to the current import duty structure.Reduction in import duty on cotton is essential to help the Indian apparel industry gain more trade opportunities from FTA partner countries and enhance India's competitiveness in the global market.The textile industry's cotton requirement for the current year is estimated to be approximately 337 lakh bales, while cotton arrivals for the 2025-2026 season are projected to be only 292.15 lakh bales, resulting in a demand-supply gap of approximately 45 lakh bales. The delegation informed the ministers that this shortage is expected to increase pressure on spinning mills and the downstream textile industry due to rising input costs and limited availability of quality raw materials.READ MORE :-The rupee opened at 95.73 with a fall of 02 paise

The rupee fell by 02 paise to open at 95.73 USDOn Thursday, the Indian rupee opened 02 paise lower at 95.73 against the dollar, while it had closed at 95.71 on Wednesday.Read more :- The rupee closed at 95.71 against the dollar, down 10 paise.

On Wednesday, after opening at 95.61 in morning trade, the Indian rupee fell by 10 paise to close at 95.71 against the US dollar.At the close, the Sensex ended 49.74 points, or 0.07 percent, higher at 74,608.98, while the Nifty rose 33.05 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 23,412.60.Read More :- The rupee opened 02 paise higher at 95.61

The Rupee opened 2 paise higher at 95.61 against the USD.On Wednesday, the Indian Rupee opened at 95.61 against the US Dollar, gaining 2 paise, whereas it had closed at 95.63 on Tuesday.Read More:-  The Rupee closed 13 paise lower against the Dollar at 95.63