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The Indian rupee on Thursday higher 09 paise to close at 93.19 per dollar, while it opened at 93.28 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 122.56 points or 0.16 percent at 77,988.68, and the Nifty was down 34.55 points or 0.14 percent at 24,196.75. About 2688 shares advanced, 1468 shares declined, and 128 shares unchanged.read more :- Khandesh Cotton: Low Arrivals, Strong Prices

Khandesh Cotton Market: Arrivals decreased, signs of strengthening in pricesCotton market in Khandesh region is currently in the news due to limited arrivals and decreasing production. In the current situation, about 3,000 to 3,500 quintals of cotton are arriving daily across the country, which is much less as compared to the last season. Due to less supply, there is a gradual improvement in prices in the market.While at the beginning of the season (mid-October), 6,000 to 7,000 bales of cotton were arriving in the market every day, now a sharp decline has been recorded in the arrivals. According to experts, production has been affected this year due to reduction in cotton cultivation, disease on the crop and heavy rains.The maximum purchase rate of cotton at the rural level is currently around ₹ 8,000 per quintal, but due to less stock with the farmers, they are not able to take full advantage of this price. Most of the farmers have already sold their produce between February and March, due to which the supply in the market has further reduced.The arrival is expected to be limited to 1,500 to 2,000 quintals in the coming 10 to 15 days. This is the reason why the possibility of a major fall in prices is considered less.The low arrivals are also impacting ginning and pressing units in Khandesh and surrounding areas, where operations have slowed down. Variation in prices is being seen in different regions, but the level of ₹8,000 per quintal remains high for good quality cotton.The situation on the production front is more worrying. This year, in many areas the production has been only 80 kg to 1 quintal per acre. Heavy rains have caused widespread damage to the crop, leading to a major decline in total production. It is estimated that this time the target of producing 20 lakh bales will not be achieved in Khandesh.Overall, the cotton market currently remains bullish due to low production and limited arrivals, while stock shortage remains a major challenge for farmers.read more :- Textile-apparel exports decline in FY26 due to weak demand

India’s Textile & Apparel Exports Slip in FY26 Amid Weak DemandIndia’s textile and apparel exports declined by 2.22% in FY26 compared to the previous fiscal year, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce. The downturn comes a year after the United States imposed higher tariffs, which have continued to impact export performance.In March 2026, exports fell sharply by 14.02% year-on-year, reflecting weakening demand and ongoing trade pressures.A detailed analysis by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries shows that textile exports dropped by 2.86% during FY26, while apparel exports declined by 1.36%. The slowdown was even more pronounced in March, with textile exports decreasing by 9.91% and apparel exports contracting significantly by 18.99% compared to the same period last year.Overall, the combined textile and apparel exports for March 2026 recorded a year-on-year decline of 14.02%.Meanwhile, raw cotton imports surged by nearly 55% during FY26. This increase followed the government’s decision to ease import duties for a limited period, from August 28, 2025, to December 31, 2025.read more :- The rupee opened at 93.28, gaining 09 paise.

The rupee opened at 93.28/USD, up 09 paise.On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened at 93.28 against the dollar, gaining 09 paise, whereas it had closed at 93.37 on Wednesday.READ MORE :- Rupee Drops 20 Paise, Ends at 93.37 Against Dollar 

The Indian rupee weakened by 20 paise on Wednesday to settle at 93.37 against the US dollar, compared to its opening price of 93.17 in the morning.Meanwhile, equity markets ended on a strong note, with the Sensex surging 1,263.67 points, or 1.64 percent, to close at 78,111.24, and the Nifty climbing 388.65 points, or 1.63 percent, to settle at 24,231.30.read more :- Major Blow to Textile Industry, ₹4,000 Crore Loss: Raees Shaikh

Maharashtra's textile industry suffered a loss of ₹4,000 crore: MLA Raees ShaikhSamajwadi Party's Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh said on Tuesday that due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the state's textile industry has suffered a loss of about ₹4,000 crore in just one month.Bhiwandi in Thane district, a major textile hub of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, has been worst affected by the crisis. The MLA has demanded an immediate financial support package for the industry and warned that if timely steps are not taken, there is a danger of the industry coming to a standstill. This may also affect the jobs of millions of skilled and unskilled workers.In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the MLA said that due to rising prices of cotton and yarn, disruption in the supply of raw materials and blockage in export channels, mills are facing pressure to stop production two days a week.In this letter sent on April 10, citing the data of the State Textile Corporation, it has been said that the industry suffered huge losses due to the halt in exports in March 2026.There are about 9.48 lakh power looms operating in Maharashtra, which is about 39% of the total power looms in the country, apart from this there are also about 4,000 hand looms. This industry is considered to be the biggest employment generating sector in the state after agriculture.read more :- Cotton Procurement Policy to Change: Bhavantar Scheme to Replace MSP

Change in Cotton Procurement Policy: Preparations Underway to Implement ‘Bhavantar Scheme’ Instead of MSP ProcurementA major policy update regarding the cotton market has emerged. The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is now taking steps toward implementing the ‘Bhavantar Scheme’ (Price Difference Scheme) instead of directly procuring cotton at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). A pilot project for this new system is set to be launched in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during the 2026-27 season. The industry has welcomed this proposal and has demanded its implementation across the entire country.Until now, the government provided a safety net to farmers by procuring cotton at the MSP through the CCI whenever market prices dipped. However, over the last two seasons, the CCI faced immense pressure and was compelled to procure over 100 lakh bales of cotton. Despite this effort, not all farmers were able to avail the benefits of the MSP.In light of this challenge, a meeting was held in December 2024, chaired by NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand, to deliberate on how to ensure better benefits reach the farmers. During this meeting, the decision was taken to move forward with the ‘Bhavantar Scheme.’What is the Bhavantar Scheme?Under this scheme, farmers will sell their cotton in the open market. If the prevailing market price falls below the MSP, the difference between the two prices will be deposited directly into the farmer's account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).For instance, if the MSP is ₹8,110 per quintal and a farmer receives ₹7,000 in the open market, the government will directly transfer the difference of ₹1,110 into their bank account.How will payments be processed?This scheme will be implemented under the Central Government's PM-AASHA program. Registered farmers will be able to sell their cotton at mandis (agricultural markets) at their own convenience, and the amount representing the price difference will be credited directly to their bank accounts.What are the concerns?Experts believe that while the scheme appears effective on paper, its ultimate success will depend heavily on its effective implementation. Rather than relying solely on the Bhavantar scheme, the option of MSP-based procurement should also remain available. Imposing a specific time limit on the scheme could increase the potential for market manipulation. Benefits for the Industry and Farmers  Farmers will have the freedom to sell their produce at any time, according to their needs.  They will receive the benefit of the MSP even if market prices fall.  Industries will have access to cotton at prevailing market rates.   This could make cotton, yarn,    and textile exports more competitive in the global market.Overall, the ‘Bhavantar Scheme’ has the potential to bring about a significant transformation in the cotton market; however, its success will depend on its transparent and effective implementation.read more :- Threat to pulses, soybean and cotton crops due to weak monsoon

Weak Monsoon: Pulses, Soybean, Cotton AffectedA weak monsoon is expected to have its most significant impact this year on crops such as pulses, soybean, and cotton, while rice appears relatively secure thanks to superior irrigation infrastructure.According to an analysis by Moneycontrol, the forecast for a below-normal monsoon in 2026 poses a heightened threat to crops cultivated primarily in rain-dependent regions. On April 13, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) projected monsoon rainfall at 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA)—marking the weakest initial forecast in approximately 26 years. This could adversely affect sowing, production, and rural demand, while also raising the risk of increased pressure on food inflation.Although current reservoir water levels remain satisfactory—with storage recorded at 27% above normal as of April 2—deficient rainfall in the future could impact water replenishment and the availability of water for Rabi crops. While risks will persist even in irrigated states, the greatest challenge lies in those regions that are entirely dependent on the monsoon.Among the various crops, soybean appears to be at the highest risk. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh collectively account for 83.6% of the country's total production; however—particularly in Maharashtra—irrigation coverage falls significantly below the national average, thereby exacerbating the risk.The situation for cotton is quite similar. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh together contribute approximately 66% of the total output. Low irrigation coverage in Maharashtra renders the crop more vulnerable, whereas Gujarat's superior irrigation infrastructure offers some measure of relief.A weak monsoon could also have repercussions for the broader economy. According to Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA Ltd, the combined impact of a weak monsoon and geopolitical tensions in West Asia could fuel inflation and dampen economic growth. She projects that average CPI inflation in FY27 could hover above the 4.5% mark. Meanwhile, CareEdge's Chief Economist, Rajani Sinha, believes that the inflation rate could hover around 4.6%. Rising oil prices and climatic factors such as El Niño could exert additional pressure on this figure.Overall, the potentially weak monsoon of 2026 is emerging as a significant risk for both rain-fed agriculture and inflation.read more :- The rupee opened at 93.17 gaining 21 paise.

The rupee opened at 93.17/USD, up 21 paise.On Wednesday, the Indian rupee opened 21 paise higher against the dollar at 93.17, whereas it had closed at 93.38 on Monday.READ MORE :- Challenge to increase cotton cultivation, sowing from 15th April

The challenge is to increase the area of cotton in Sonipat, sowing will start from April 15Increasing the continuously decreasing cotton area in Sonipat has become a big challenge for the Agriculture Department this time. Last year, cotton was cultivated in only 1200 acres in the district, which is much less than previous years. In such a situation, the department has formed special teams to make the farmers aware, which will go from village to village and provide information about the benefits of cotton cultivation and disease management.According to the Agriculture Department, the appropriate time for sowing cotton in Kharif season is from 15th April to 15th May. Due to recent light rain and drizzle, there is sufficient moisture in the fields, which will reduce the need for initial irrigation and the conditions have become favorable for sowing.The department has advised farmers to sow seeds only after seed treatment, so that the crop can be protected from early diseases and pests.If we look at the data, the area under cotton is continuously decreasing—5400 acres in 2022, 4500 acres in 2023, 2700 acres in 2024 and dropped to only 1200 acres last year. There are many reasons behind this decline, including pink bollworm infestation, rain at the time of harvest, dependence on laborers and low prices in the market.Farmers are now giving more priority to paddy cultivation, due to which the area under cotton is further shrinking.According to Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer Dr. Sandeep Verma, the department has prepared a special strategy to increase the area under cotton. Also, this time the weather is also considered favorable for cotton sowing, due to which better production is expected.read more :-Compensation to be provided for selling cotton below MSP.

Big relief for cotton farmers: Will get direct compensation if sold at a price lower than MSPWith the aim of providing relief to cotton farmers from market price fluctuations, the Central Government has taken a new step under the PM AASHA scheme. Through this system called ‘Gap Support Mechanism’, if farmers sell their produce at less than the Minimum Support Price (MSP), the government will transfer the difference amount directly to their bank accounts.How will the plan work?Under this system, if the price of cotton in the market goes below the MSP, the difference between the MSP and the actual selling price will be paid by the government. this payment It will be deposited directly into the accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), so that they can be saved from financial loss.For example, if the MSP is Rs 7500 per quintal and the farmer gets only Rs 6500 in the market, then the remaining Rs 1000 will be given as compensation by the government.Where is it applicable now?At present this scheme has been implemented as a pilot project in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. If it is successful, it can be implemented across the country. What benefit will farmers get?Protection from falling prices freedom to sell in the open market Reduction in dependence on government procurement centers freedom to choose buyer What will farmers have to do?To avail the benefits of the scheme, farmers should:You will have to register your crop in the ‘e-crop’ system. Sales receipts must be kept safefurther prospectsIf this model is successful, the government can extend it to other cash crops also. This is expected to bring major improvements in the agricultural price support system and make farmers' income more stable.read more :- Cotton promoted in Punjab, 33% subsidy on seeds