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Initiative to revive cotton in Punjab: 33% subsidy announced on seedsTaking a significant step to revive the declining cotton cultivation in the state, the Punjab government has announced 33% subsidy on indigenous and Bt cotton seeds. The initiative aims to attract farmers back to the cultivation of cotton, once known as the “white gold” of Punjab.Under this scheme launched by the Agriculture Department, farmers can apply online on the government portal between April 20 and May 31. This subsidy will be applicable up to a maximum of five acres and will be available only on seed varieties approved by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).The area under cotton in Punjab has declined rapidly over the past few decades—from about 7 lakh hectares in the 1980s to just 1 lakh hectares in 2024. The major reasons for this decline include infestation of pests like pink bollworm and white fly, market prices below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and irregular weather.Although due to government efforts, there was a slight increase in cotton area to 1.19 lakh hectares in 2025, but this year the target has been set at 1.26 lakh hectares.At an inter-state consultation meeting recently, PAU Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal presented a detailed roadmap for the revival of cotton. He described timely availability of high quality seeds, promotion of Bt cotton, adequate irrigation before sowing, and balanced fertilizer use as essential to increase productivity.Despite this, farmers are still cautious. A farmer from Bathinda expressed concern over uncertain yield and frequent pest attacks despite repeated pesticide spraying.Punjab Agriculture Director Gurjit Singh Brar attributed the decline in cotton area to the shift towards paddy, better irrigation facilities, and frequent pest attacks in cotton. He highlighted timely sowing, deep ploughing, crop residue management and awareness campaigns as solutions to this problem.read more :- Cotton Market in India: Trends Up, Challenges Persist

India Cotton Market: Trend towards cotton, but challenges remainIndia's cotton market is going through many ups and downs during 2025–26. On one hand, there are signs of improvement in prices, on the other hand, structural and global challenges still remain.The domestic market remained under pressure in 2025 as the government made cotton imports duty free from September to December 31. Due to this, both imported cotton and local arrivals increased, due to which farmers could not get better prices. However, after the implementation of 11 percent import duty from January 1, 2026, there was improvement in the market. International prices also strengthened, leading to domestic prices hovering around or above the minimum support price.Recent global developments, particularly wars and rising crude oil prices, have supported the cotton market. As oil became expensive, the cost of man-made fibers like polyester and rayon increased, which increased the demand for cotton. Cotton prices increased by about 13 percent in the international market, which affected the Indian market as well.Positive signs are also being seen on the export front. Farmers are expected to get better prices from the possible increase in cotton, yarn and textile exports. For this reason, farmers may lean towards increasing cotton cultivation in the coming season. According to the estimates of the US Department of Agriculture, the area of cotton in India may increase by about 3 percent in 2026-27 and a significant increase in production is also possible.In India, cotton is cultivated at different times regionally. In North India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan) sowing takes place during April–May and this region gives about 14 percent of the total production. Central India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh) is the largest producing region of the country, whose share is about 55 percent and sowing takes place here in June-July. Sowing takes place in August–September in South India (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), where long variety fiber is produced.The picture at the state level is mixed. In Punjab, cotton area is likely to increase due to government incentives, while in Haryana and Rajasthan, area may decrease due to pests, irrigation and alternative crops. Farmers in Gujarat may lean towards better profit-paying crops like groundnut and cumin, while the area in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh is expected to remain stable. Cultivation may increase in South India, especially in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh due to support price.Changes in cotton production and demand are also being seen at the global level. Cotton area in the US is projected to grow by about 4 percent for 2026-27. Production is likely to increase in key states like Texas and Georgia.However, the biggest challenge facing the cotton industry is competition from man-made fibres. The use of polyester has increased rapidly in the last few decades. Whereas in 1970, about 50 percent of clothes were made from cotton, by 2024 this share has dropped to less than 20 percent. In contrast, the use of polyester has been continuously increasing and now accounts for more than half of the total textile production.In conclusion, the cotton market is currently showing signs of recovery, but long-term sustainability will require addressing challenges such as production costs, climate risks and competition from synthetic fibres.read more :- The rupee opened 54 paise lower at 93.26.

Rupee Opens 54 Paise lower at 93.26/USDIndian rupee opened 54 paise lower at 93.26 per dollar on Monday versus Friday's close of 92.72.read more :- CCI Cotton Sales State-Wise Breakdown – 2025-26 Season

State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 SeasonThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised its cotton prices by upto ₹300-₹700 per candy during this week . Till date, CCI has sold approximately 50,72,800 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 Hikes Cotton Prices by ₹300- ₹700 per Candy; Weekly Auction Sales Cross 5.38 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised its cotton prices by ₹300- ₹700 per candy during the week from April 06 to April 10, 2026, the auctions witnessed strong participation from mills and cotton traders, resulting in robust weekly sales of about 5,38,600 bales from the 2025–26 season.Day-wise Auction HighlightsApril 06, 2026 (Monday):The week opened on a strong note with total sales of 1,46,200 bales. Mills purchased 63,500 bales, while traders led with 82,700 bales.April 07, 2026 (Tuesday):The highest single-day sale of the week was recorded at 1,50,500 bales. Mills bought 61,100 bales, whereas traders accounted for 89,400 bales.April 08, 2026 (Wednesday):Sales moderated slightly to 55,900 bales. Mills purchased 30,500 bales, and traders bought 25,400 bales.April 09, 2026 (Thursday):A total of 37,800 bales were reported sold during the day. Mills purchased 19,500 bales while traders bought 18,300 balesApril 10, 2026 (Friday):The week closed on a strong note with sales of 1,48,200 bales. Mills purchased 53,700 bales, while traders dominated with 94,500 bales.Cumulative Sales Update2025–26 Season: 50,72,800 bales2024–25 Season: 98,85,100 bales

Cotton Prices Cross ₹60,000/Candy, Track Global RallyCotton prices in the domestic market have strengthened further, crossing the ₹60,000 per candy (356 kg) mark for the first time this season, driven by firm global cues and steady demand.Domestic prices are closely tracking global futures on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), where July contracts rose above 73 cents per pound on Friday — the highest level since June 2024.On the domestic front, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised its benchmark prices by ₹300 per candy on Friday. Over the past two weeks, prices have increased by around ₹1,400 per candy, and by nearly ₹4,500 over the past few months.Global Supply-Demand OutlookAccording to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), global cotton production is projected to rise by nearly 900,000 bales to 121.9 million bales, supported by higher output in China, India, and Pakistan, offsetting a decline in Argentina.Global consumption is also expected to grow by about 600,000 bales to 119.1 million bales, with stronger demand from China and India compensating for weaker demand in Bangladesh and Vietnam. Prices Above MSP, But Demand MixedCotton prices in several domestic markets are trading above the Minimum Support Price (MSP). In Raichur, raw cotton (kapas) prices touched ₹9,000 per quintal on Friday.However, industry participants indicate that while cotton prices are firm, yarn demand is facing resistance at higher levels.Market sources note that mills are cautious in making fresh purchases in the cash market, with buying largely limited to traders offering extended payment terms. Expectations of a better crop outlook are also capping aggressive buying.Yarn Prices Rise on Export DemandThe uptrend in cotton prices is also reflecting in yarn markets. Prices of 30 CCH (combed hosiery) yarn have increased by ₹55–60 per kg in recent weeks, rising from around ₹235 per kg to nearly ₹295 per kg, supported by demand from Chinese buyers and multinational companies.Arrivals UpdateAs per trade estimates, total cotton arrivals up to March-end are around 294 lakh bales (170 kg each). Maharashtra leads with 95.25 lakh bales, followed by Gujarat at 59 lakh bales. Telangana has recorded arrivals of 46.80 lakh bales, while Karnataka stands at around 25 lakh bales.Overall, while global cues are keeping prices firm, the domestic market may see some stability ahead amid cautious mill demand and expectations of improved crop output.read more :- US Textile Demand Slump: India Exports Drop 29%, Vietnam Gains

US Textile Demand Slump: India Exports Fall 29%, Vietnam Gains GroundPUNE: India’s textile and apparel exports to the US dropped sharply in February, highlighting weak demand and growing competitive pressure from Asian peers.According to data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel, US imports from India declined 28.7% year-on-year. In comparison, imports from Bangladesh fell 16.4%, while Vietnam recorded a 5% increase. China saw the steepest drop, with imports plunging 45.2%, as per analysis by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI).The sharper decline has raised concerns about India losing market share in the US, particularly to Bangladesh and Vietnam.“The US trade data till February 2026 shows India is losing share faster than Bangladesh, while Vietnam is consolidating gains,” said Chandrima Chatterjee, Secretary General of CITI.The fall comes despite the rollback of additional US tariffs in February 2026, suggesting that the benefits are yet to reflect in export orders. Exporters say many US buyers had already shifted sourcing to other countries during the tariff period and are slow to return.“A lot of US buyers moved away from India to hedge risks due to high tariffs. We have managed to regain only about 40% of them,” said Rajat Jaipuria, Managing Director of Rajalaxmi Cotton Mills. He added that a pickup in shipments may be visible from May–June, given the typical 90–120 day order-to-shipment cycle.Industry experts attribute the decline to tariff-driven inflation in the US, which dampened consumer demand in 2025, leading to lower import volumes compared to 2024.“This is largely the fallout of US tariffs that became effective from August. Buyers held back orders while waiting for clarity. Since February data reflects shipments made earlier, the sharp fall is not surprising and should ease going forward,” said Sanjay Jain, Chairman of the National Textile Committee at the Indian Chamber of Commerce.CITI noted that the current trend also reflects structural challenges, with global buyers diversifying sourcing bases, especially toward Vietnam.The slowdown is already impacting company performance. Firms with high exposure to the US market reported over 50% decline in profit growth in Q3, due to weak demand, underutilised capacities, and margin pressure from high fixed costs.read more :- Rupee fell 14 paise to close at 92.72 per dollar

The Indian rupee lower 14 paise to close at 92.72 per dollar on Friday, compared to its opening price of 92.58 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 918.60 points or 1.20 percent at 77,550.25, and the Nifty was up 275.50 points or 1.16 percent at 24,050.60. About 3245 shares advanced, 889 shares declined, and 126 shares unchanged.read more :- Incentive amendment notification pending, confusion among farmers

Notification Regarding Revision of Incentive for Indigenous Cotton Pending; Farmers in LimboIn Haryana, the government has not yet issued an official notification regarding the proposed increase in the incentive amount for the cultivation of indigenous cotton. This has left farmers in a state of confusion. Under the current regulations, an incentive of ₹3,000 per acre is applicable for indigenous cotton; however, during the budget session, an announcement was made to raise this amount to ₹4,000 per acre.Farmers express concern that, despite the sowing season drawing near, the absence of a notification makes it unclear whether they will be able to avail the benefits of the scheme during this Kharif season. If the proposed increase in the incentive amount is not implemented, the likelihood of an expansion in the area under indigenous cotton cultivation could diminish, potentially prompting farmers to shift toward alternative crops such as paddy.This issue is likely to have a significant impact on major cotton-producing districts such as Sirsa, Hisar, Fatehabad, Jind, and Bhiwani. The Sirsa region is considered a pivotal hub for cotton production within the state and is also home to the Central Institute for Cotton Research.According to the Department of Agriculture, the government has currently neither issued the notification regarding the incentive hike nor requested a detailed report on the acreage under indigenous cotton cultivation—a procedural prerequisite for the implementation of the scheme.According to Sukhbir Singh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture, farmers will be able to access the benefits of the enhanced incentive amount only after the official notification has been issued.Currently, approximately 7,000 farmers cultivate indigenous cotton across an area of about 17,000 acres, receiving assistance under this scheme. For some time now, farmers have been distancing themselves from cotton cultivation—primarily due to concerns regarding production costs, pink bollworm infestations, and crop diseases—resulting in a continuous decline in the total area under cotton cultivation.Meanwhile, this issue was also raised during the Legislative Assembly session. Gokul Setia, the Congress MLA from Sirsa, had called for the expansion of the incentive scheme and highlighted the shrinking acreage dedicated to indigenous cotton cultivation. The agricultural incentive schemes announced by the government during the Budget Session include: an incentive of ₹4,000 per acre for indigenous cotton; an additional bonus of ₹2,000 for alternative crops (excluding paddy); the expansion of the horticulture insurance scheme; the promotion of sugarcane cultivation and beekeeping; and the expansion of veterinary infrastructure.read more :- Kharif Plan: Decline in Cotton, Rise in Maize

Kharif Planning in Jalgaon: Indications of Declining Cotton Acreage; Potential Rise in Maize CultivationThe Agriculture Department in Jalgaon (Maharashtra) has commenced preliminary preparations for the upcoming Kharif season. For the approaching season, sowing has been planned across a total area of 739,736 hectares within the district, based on which an estimate of seed requirements has been formulated.According to the Agriculture Department, a decline in the acreage dedicated to cotton cultivation is anticipated this year. While cotton sowing has consistently covered approximately 442,000 hectares over the past three years, it is projected to remain limited to roughly the same level this year as well. Consequently, a demand for approximately 2.21 million packets of cotton seeds has been proposed, comprising 2.185 million packets of BT cotton seeds and 24,000 packets of non-BT seeds.Conversely, an increase in the area under soybean and maize cultivation is expected. Driven by the Meteorological Department's forecast of lower rainfall and relatively weaker market prices for cotton, farmers are increasingly shifting their focus toward alternative crops.The proposed area for soybean cultivation has been set at 47,000 hectares, necessitating a seed requirement of approximately 24,675 quintals. Meanwhile, a consistent upward trend is being observed in maize cultivation. For the current year, the proposed area for maize stands at 175,036 hectares, with a corresponding seed requirement of 26,255 quintals. Furthermore, the proposed area and seed requirements for other crops are as follows: Cotton: 442,000 hectares – 9,950 quintals Maize: 175,036 hectares – 26,255 quintals Soybean: 47,000 hectares – 24,675 quintals Sorghum (Jowar): 15,500 hectares – 1,550 quintals Pigeon Pea (Tur): 18,000 hectares – 945 quintals Green Gram (Moong): 17,500 hectares – 578 quintals Black Gram (Urad): 16,500 hectares – 866 quintals Pearl Millet (Bajra): 5,500 hectares – 220 quintalsAccording to the Agriculture Department, a meeting will also be organized in the coming days to finalize this plan.read more :- The Rupee opened 8 paise higher at 92.58.

The Rupee opened 8 paise higher at 92.58/USD.On Friday, the Indian Rupee opened 8 paise higher against the dollar at 92.58, whereas it had closed at 92.66 on Thursday.READ MORE :- India-US Trade Portal Launched: New Opportunities