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Cotton Acreage in Punjab Hits Record Low; Threat from Whitefly and Pink Bollworm RisesFarmers in Punjab's cotton-growing districts are concerned following early signs of whitefly and pink bollworm infestations. Agricultural experts state that while the current pest incidence remains below the Economic Threshold Level (ETL), regular monitoring of fields over the next 15–20 days is essential.This situation arises at a time when the state's cotton acreage has shrunk to approximately 80,000 hectares—considered the lowest ever recorded for the southern Malwa region. A lack of rainfall in July, coupled with persistent heat and high humidity, has created favorable conditions for pest proliferation.Teams from the State Agriculture Department, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are conducting continuous surveys across the districts of southwest Punjab to assess the situation. Scientists are monitoring pest populations in the fields and advising farmers on preventive and management measures.Cases of both whitefly and pink bollworm have been reported in Fazilka district, which accounts for nearly half (approximately 40,000 hectares) of Punjab's total cotton area this season. Chief Agriculture Officer Kulwant Singh stated that distinct whitefly infestations have been observed in some fields, while pink bollworm presence has also been detected in certain areas; however, the situation remains under control.In Muktsar district, farmers have been advised to use neem-based organic pesticides to control whiteflies during the early stages of infestation. Meanwhile, in Bathinda, the Agriculture Department has intensified monitoring and identified the villages of Jodhpur Romana and Yatri as whitefly hotspots. The presence of pink bollworm has also been recorded in some pheromone traps. Vijay Kumar, Principal Entomologist at PAU, stated that while the crop has not suffered any serious damage so far, the pest population could increase over the next two weeks if the current weather conditions persist. He expressed hope that rainfall might reduce the whitefly population. Experts have urged farmers to regularly monitor their fields, avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, and consult agricultural officials before undertaking any spraying.READ MORE :- Maharashtra Targets Higher Cotton Productivity in Three Marathwada Districts for Kharif 2026

Maharashtra: Target set to boost cotton productivity for Kharif 2026 in three Marathwada districtsThe Agriculture Department has proposed a target average cotton productivity of 3.69 quintals per hectare for the Kharif 2026 season across the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Beed districts of Maharashtra's Marathwada region. The department estimates that yields of major Kharif crops can be improved this year through modern agricultural techniques and better crop management. Under this plan, the average productivity for soybean is also projected at 16.06 quintals per hectare.According to the Agriculture Department, a sowing target of 21.35 lakh hectares has been set for the Kharif season across these three districts. However, due to a sluggish start to the monsoon, sowing had been completed on only 11.64 lakh hectares by July 7. In contrast, sowing had covered 18.40 lakh hectares by the same period last year. The proposed area includes 6.17 lakh hectares in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 6.46 lakh hectares in Jalna, and 7.92 lakh hectares in Beed.During the previous Kharif season (2025), the average cotton productivity was recorded at 3.33 quintals per hectare. Meanwhile, productivity stood at 14.42 quintals for soybean, 25.11 quintals for maize, 11.51 quintals for *Arhar* (pigeon pea), and 8.66 quintals for *Urad* (black gram) per hectare. The Agriculture Department expects production to increase this year through the use of improved seeds, balanced fertilizer application, and scientific farming practices.The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar agricultural division comprises three districts, 28 *talukas*, and 3,751 villages. The division has a total geographical area of 28.48 lakh hectares, with 23.76 lakh hectares of cultivable land. Approximately 21.77 lakh farmers in the region are engaged in agricultural activities.However, the weather remains the biggest challenge of the season. In view of the delayed monsoon, below-normal rainfall in several regions, and the potential impact of El Niño, the Agriculture Department is emphasizing the timely provision of seeds, fertilizers, and scientific advice to farmers. The department believes that an improvement in the productivity of Kharif crops is possible this year if weather conditions remain favorable.READ MORE :- Drought Threatens Kharif Crops in Kalyana Karnataka, Yields May Drop by 30%

Drought Threatens Kharif Crops in Kalyana Karnataka; Yields May Drop by Up to 30%Kalaburagi/Yadgir/Bidar: A lack of consistent rainfall is severely impacting Kharif crops across the Kalyana Karnataka region. Agricultural officials anticipate a yield decline of up to 30% in areas where sowing has been completed, citing soil moisture deficiency and stunted crop growth. Major crops such as *tur* (pigeon pea), *moong* (green gram), black gram, maize, cotton, soybean, and sunflower have either failed to germinate or have begun to wither.Statewide, only 48% of the Kharif sowing target has been achieved so far, with the figure standing at 43% for the Kalyana Karnataka region. Vijayanagara district, the worst-hit area, has seen no rainfall for the past 35 days, and sowing has been completed on only 30% of the land. D.T. Manjunath, the district's Joint Director of Agriculture, warned that if there is no significant rainfall in the coming days, 80% to 90% of the crops already sown could be lost.Dr. G.T. Putra, Director of the Department of Agriculture, noted that crop conditions vary across regions due to differing rainfall patterns. He expressed concern that the ongoing drought could undermine government efforts made in recent years to boost cotton and *tur* production. Cotton-growing districts like Raichur and Yadgir also face the risk of reduced yields.Hanumantappa Belagumpi, a farmer from Kalaburagi district, reported that he had sown *tur* and cotton following light rain, but the subsequent lack of precipitation has prevented the crops from germinating. However, the Agriculture Department states that if it rains soon, sowing for *tur* and cotton can still be carried out until August 15.In Koppal district, *moong* and sunflower crops have started to wither, whereas the situation in Bidar district remains relatively better. To provide relief to farmers, the district administration and the Agriculture Department are intensifying the registration drive under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, ensuring that the maximum number of farmers can receive financial assistance in the event of crop loss.READ MORE :- Rupee Opens 38 Paise Lower at 95.70 Against US Dollar.

The rupee opened lower at 95.70 per dollar.On Monday, the Indian rupee opened 38 paise lower at 95.70 against the dollar, whereas it had closed at 95.32 on Friday.The Sensex fell 1,061.92 points, or 1.37%, to 76,507.47 in pre-market trade. The Nifty 50 declined 139.35 points, or 0.58%, to 24,067.55.READ MORE :- CCI Raises Cotton Prices by ₹800

CCI Hikes Cotton Prices by ₹800 as Weekly Sales Surge to 1.73 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) increased its cotton selling prices by ₹800 per candy during the week ended June 26, 2026. Strong participation from textile mills and cotton traders was witnessed in the auctions, resulting in total weekly sales of about 1,73,900 bales from the 2025–26 crop season.Day-wise Auction PerformanceJuly 06, 2026 (Monday):The week began with sales of 9,200 bales. Mills purchased 3,400 bales, while traders lifted 5,800 bales.July 07, 2026 (Tuesday):Highest sales of the week were recorded on this day, with total sales of 70,200 bales. Mills bought 28,800 bales, while traders purchased 41,400 bales.July 08, 2026 (Wednesday):CCI auction sales stood at 61,000 bales. Mills purchased 40,500 bales, while traders lifted 20,500 bales.July 09, 2026 (Thursday):Sales declined further to 13,500 bales. Mills accounted for 7,800 bales, while traders purchased 5,700 bales.July 10, 2026 (Friday):The week ended with the sales of 20,000 bales. Mills purchased 10,400 bales, while traders bought 9,600 bales.Cumulative Sales UpdateWith the latest auctions, CCI's cumulative cotton sales for the 2025–26 season have reached 81,86,800 bales.

Gujarat Approves ₹134.80 Crore Cotton Productivity Mission; Farmers to Get Up to ₹14,000 Per HectareThe Gujarat government has announced a major initiative to boost cotton production and improve farmers' income by implementing the Mission for Cotton Productivity (Cotton Revolution Mission) in the state. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has approved the programme in line with the Government of India's ambitious five-year mission aimed at increasing cotton productivity, reducing imports, and promoting modern farming practices.Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vaghani said the Centre has launched the mission for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31. As one of India's leading cotton-producing states, Gujarat has been allocated ₹134.80 crore for the current year. The state aims to bring more than one lakh hectares under the programme across 21 cotton-growing districts.Under the mission, financial assistance will be provided to farmers who adopt scientific and modern cotton cultivation methods.Farmers adopting Closer Spacing Technology, in which cotton is planted at a spacing of 90 cm × 30 cm, will receive ₹14,000 per hectare as input assistance. Those following Integrated Crop Management (ICM) with a planting pattern of 90 cm × 60 cm will be eligible for ₹7,500 per hectare.However, the benefit will be available for a maximum of 2 hectares per farmer in a year.To qualify for the scheme, farmers must cultivate government-approved or certified cotton varieties or approved Bt cotton seeds. They must also be enrolled in the Farmer Registry, which is mandatory for receiving benefits under the mission.Besides financial assistance, the government will organise special training programmes throughout the year to help farmers adopt improved cultivation techniques, enhance productivity, and improve crop quality.The Agriculture Minister said the initiative is expected to strengthen Gujarat's position as India's leading cotton producer while ensuring better returns for farmers through improved farming practices.Eligible farmers can now apply online through the i-Khedut portal, which has been opened for applications from July 10, 2026. The government has urged interested farmers to complete their registration and submit applications within the prescribed timeline to avail themselves of the benefits under the Cotton Productivity Mission.

64% of Kharif Sowing Completed in Sendhwa Block; Farmers Showing Increased Interest in Cotton Alongside MaizeSendhwa: With the onset of the monsoon, the sowing of Kharif crops has gained momentum in the Sendhwa block of Madhya Pradesh. According to the Agriculture Department, sowing has been completed across 38,426 hectares so far, representing approximately 64 percent of the total 60,097-hectare Kharif acreage. The department estimates that, provided weather conditions remain favorable, sowing will be fully completed within the next week.Data from the Agriculture Department indicates that farmers are showing an increased inclination towards cotton cultivation alongside maize this year. Maize sowing has been completed on 14,170 hectares so far; for comparison, the maize acreage during the same period last year was 21,800 hectares. Meanwhile, sowing of the cash crop cotton has reached 7,581 hectares this season, compared to 10,830 hectares last year.Among oilseed crops, soybean sowing has been recorded across 5,246 hectares. Regarding pulse crops, Arhar (pigeon pea) has been sown on 2,370 hectares, Urad (black gram) on 2,365 hectares, and Moong (green gram) on 2,289 hectares. Additionally, sorghum (Jowar) sowing has been completed on 2,744 hectares. The Agriculture Department states that if rainfall continues in the coming days, sowing in the remaining areas is likely to be completed rapidly.To boost cotton yields, farmers are being encouraged to adopt the High-Density Planting System (HDPS) technique. The district administration and the Agriculture Department are providing training and technical guidance on this modern method. Under this technique, plants are spaced more closely together, thereby increasing the plant population per hectare. Scientific practices such as balanced fertilizer management, timely irrigation, weed control, and plant topping offer the potential for superior quality and higher yields.D.S. Ganava, Senior Agricultural Development Officer (SADO) of the Sendhwa Agriculture Department, stated that over 64 percent of the Kharif sowing in the block has been completed so far. He added that if weather conditions remain favorable and rainfall continues regularly, the sowing of Kharif crops across the entire block is expected to be completed within the next week.READ MORE:-Kharif Sowing Nears Completion in Manawar as Cotton and Soybean Cover 28,000 Hectares

Kharif sowing nearly complete in Manawar; cotton and soybean cultivated across 28,000 hectares; rainfall benefits cropsManawar: Sowing for the Kharif season is nearing completion in the Manawar region of Madhya Pradesh. This year, farmers have sown major Kharif crops across an area of approximately 28,000 hectares. This includes about 21,000 hectares dedicated to cotton and over 7,000 hectares to soybean cultivation. Rainfall exceeding one inch over the past 24 hours has ensured adequate soil moisture, significantly benefiting the initial growth of the crops.According to the Agriculture Department, the timely onset of the monsoon allowed farmers to complete sowing operations within the scheduled timeframe. Recent rains have notably improved soybean germination, and plant growth in the fields appears satisfactory.Mahesh Barman, Senior Agricultural Development Officer (SADO) of the Agriculture Department, stated that the moisture received during the initial stage is highly beneficial for crop development. He noted that most farmers have now begun spraying necessary chemicals for weed control and the management of pests and diseases. Timely execution of these agricultural activities increases the likelihood of improved crop quality and higher yields.Local farmer Raju Deora mentioned that the rain, which began on Tuesday evening, continued steadily through Wednesday. With overcast skies persisting throughout the day, farmers are optimistic about receiving good rainfall in the coming days. He stated that if adequate rainfall continues for the remainder of July, both cotton and soybean crops will thrive, potentially leading to increased production.Agricultural experts believe that sufficient moisture during the early stages of crop growth is crucial for a good harvest. The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to regularly inspect their fields, prevent waterlogging, and immediately implement control measures upon noticing early signs of weeds, pests, or diseases. Officials state that scientific crop management and timely care can help reduce production costs while ensuring better yields. Taking advantage of favorable weather conditions, farmers are also engaged in the regular monitoring of crops and necessary agricultural activities in the coming days.READ MORE :- Cotton Sowing Gains Momentum in July, Still Behind Last Year Despite Better Monsoon

Cotton Sowing Picks Up Pace in July but Lags Behind Last Year; Momentum Boosted by Improved MonsoonNew Delhi: Cotton sowing across the country has accelerated in July following the revival of the southwest monsoon. However, the total sown area remains lower compared to the previous year. Agriculture Commissioner P.K. Singh stated that improved rainfall has boosted the pace of sowing in major cotton-producing states, and this gap is expected to narrow further in the coming days.According to the Agriculture Commissioner, cotton had been sown across 63.18 lakh hectares by July 5, whereas the figure stood at 82 lakh hectares during the same period last year. While the season started slowly, farmers have ramped up sowing activities following good rainfall in July.He noted that cotton sowing in India takes place at different times across various states. It begins in Punjab and Haryana before extending to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Under normal circumstances, cotton sowing concludes by July 15; however, due to the delayed monsoon this year, the deadline has been extended to July 30.An agricultural trader from Ahmedabad reported a significant surge in cotton sowing recently, driven by good rainfall in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. He mentioned that some farmers are shifting from paddy to cotton and pulses in anticipation of better prices. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, many farmers have resumed cotton sowing after reporting poor germination of soybean crops.Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the central region of Madhya Pradesh are the most critical areas among India's major cotton-producing regions. Other key producing states include Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. According to the latest estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture, the country's cotton production for the year 2025-26 is projected at 290.91 lakh bales (170 kg per bale), down from 297.24 lakh bales in the previous year.P.K. Singh noted that the pace of sowing during the Kharif season is highest in July. While sowing covers an average of approximately 50 lakh hectares per week in June, this figure rises to between 200 and 250 lakh hectares per week in July. He stated that an accurate assessment of production and productivity would only be possible after sowing is completed. The government verifies sowing data through preliminary estimates, remote sensing, and block-level digital crop surveys.READ MORE :- Kharif Sowing Nears Completion in Maharashtra's Kej Taluka, Soybean Covers 64,000 Hectares

Kharif Sowing Gains Momentum in Maharashtra's Kej Taluka; Cultivation Across 70,000 Hectares, with 64,000 Hectares Dedicated to SoybeanKej (Beed): Sowing for the Kharif season is nearly complete in Kej Taluka, located in Maharashtra's Beed district, thanks to favorable monsoon rains this year. According to Agriculture Department data, Kharif crops have been sown across an area of 69,813 hectares so far. Soybean accounts for the largest share, covering 64,215 hectares, whereas cotton cultivation is limited to just 1,943 hectares. This clearly indicates that farmers continue to place their greatest trust in soybean crops.Farmers had begun preparations for the Kharif season—including field ploughing and the procurement of seeds and fertilizers—as early as the last week of May. Following good rainfall over three consecutive days starting June 6, farmers commenced large-scale sowing of soybean and other Kharif crops. While the initial rains facilitated good progress, a subsequent dry spell lasting about 15 days slowed the pace of sowing. Many farmers had paused sowing operations while waiting for the next round of rain.Once good rainfall resumed after June 20, farmers rapidly accelerated field activities, leading to a swift expansion of the sown area. Consequently, the total area under Kharif crops in the taluka reached 69,813 hectares. In addition to soybean, crops such as green gram (moong), black gram (urad), pigeon pea (arhar), and maize were also sown, though their acreage remains significantly lower compared to soybean. Cotton cultivation also remained confined to a limited area.Soybean and other crops sown during the first week of June have germinated well. However, the mid-season break in rainfall raised concerns about potential impacts on crop growth. Many farmers attempted to save their crops by irrigating them using available water sources. Soybean crops sown during the last week of June have also sprouted, and the fields are now showing signs of greenery. Farmers are currently pinning their hopes on good rainfall. Although the region has remained cloudy for the past week, there has been no significant rainfall. Farmers state that if there is good rain during the second half of July, the growth of all Kharif crops—including soybeans—will improve, raising the likelihood of higher yields. Agricultural experts also believe that if timely rainfall continues, Kharif production in Kej Taluka is expected to be satisfactory this year.READ MORE :- Strong Monsoon Boosts Kharif Sowing in Maharashtra; Coverage Reaches 45% in One Week

Strong Monsoon Accelerates Kharif Sowing in Maharashtra; Coverage Jumps from 20% to 45% in a WeekNashik: An active monsoon and consistent, good rainfall across Maharashtra have accelerated the sowing of Kharif crops. According to the latest data from the State Agriculture Department, Kharif sowing coverage rose from 20% of the total acreage on July 1 to 45% by July 7. Officials state that if the current rainfall pattern continues, sowing operations will gain further momentum.Sowing has been completed on approximately 6.5 million (65 lakh) hectares out of the state's average Kharif area of 14.4 million (144 lakh) hectares (excluding sugarcane). Division-wise, Amravati leads the state with 58% of its area sown. This is followed by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at 53% and the Nashik division at 50%.The Nashik division—comprising Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, and Nandurbar districts—has witnessed a significant surge in sowing following recent rains. Here, sowing has been completed on approximately 1.02 million (10.24 lakh) hectares out of an average Kharif area of 2.03 million (20.33 lakh) hectares. Conversely, the pace of sowing remains slow in the Konkan region, with only 4% coverage recorded against an average area of 0.39 million (3.92 lakh) hectares. Sowing completion stands at 28% in the Pune division and 22% in the Kolhapur division.Soybean, cotton, maize, paddy, sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), green gram (moong), and black gram (urad) are the major Kharif crops in Maharashtra. Soybean and cotton dominate the landscape, together accounting for over 62% of the state's total Kharif acreage. Soybean sowing has been completed on 2.36 million (23.58 lakh) hectares—approximately 50%—of the estimated 4.72 million (47.21 lakh) hectare area. Meanwhile, cotton sowing has been completed across 25.38 lakh hectares—approximately 60% of the target area of 42.47 lakh hectares.Maize sowing is also progressing well; so far, planting has been completed on 5.71 lakh hectares (61%) out of the estimated 9.33 lakh hectares. However, paddy transplantation is still in its initial stage, with work completed on only 1.40 lakh hectares (9%) out of the estimated 15.02 lakh hectares.Maharashtra recorded 290.7 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 7, which is 103% of the normal 282.3 mm. The Agriculture Department believes that if this trend of above-normal rainfall continues, sowing for the Kharif season will be completed on time, and production prospects will be bolstered.READ MORE :- Cotton Sowing Gains Pace; July 30 Target in Sight