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Cotton and Soybean Dominate Maharashtra's Amravati DivisionAmravati (Maharashtra): Cotton and soybean continue to dominate the agricultural landscape in Maharashtra's Amravati division during this Kharif season. Soybean acreage has remained robust, while cotton sowing has also reached levels close to the average.Soybean sowing in the division has covered 13.42 lakh hectares, representing 92% of the average acreage of 14.63 lakh hectares. In Buldhana district, soybean sowing reached 4.44 lakh hectares, which is 112% of the district's average acreage.Cotton sowing has also remained strong. Cotton was sown across 10.80 lakh hectares against an average acreage of 10.92 lakh hectares in the division, marking a 99% achievement. Cotton acreage stood at 4.87 lakh hectares (103%) in Yavatmal and 2.67 lakh hectares (100%) in Amravati district.The data indicates that farmers in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region continue to favor market-oriented crops. Soybean is the region's primary oilseed crop, while cotton maintains its strong position as a key cash crop. The fact that the acreage for both crops remains close to average levels reflects the farmers' continued reliance on them during the Kharif season.read more :- New Cotton Arrivals Begin, Prices Reach ₹9,700

Arrival of New Cotton Begins in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh; High-Quality Cotton Fetches Up to ₹9,700 Arrivals of new cotton in the markets (mandis) of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh began in the second week of August. Prices remain firm for cotton with low moisture content and high quality. High-quality cotton with a moisture content of around 12% or less is selling at rates ranging from ₹8,500 to ₹9,700 per quintal. Prices for cotton with higher moisture content are comparatively lower.Gujarat: In the Amreli, Rajkot, and Jasdan markets, standard-quality cotton is selling between ₹8,300 and ₹9,200 per quintal, while high-quality cotton is fetching up to ₹9,800 per quintal.Haryana: In the Sirsa and Ellenabad markets, standard cotton is priced between ₹7,900 and ₹8,500 per quintal, with high-quality cotton at around ₹8,700 per quintal.Punjab: In the Abohar and Bathinda markets, standard cotton is priced between ₹7,300 and ₹8,000 per quintal, and high-quality cotton is at ₹8,400 per quintal.Rajasthan: In the Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh markets, standard cotton is priced between ₹7,400 and ₹8,100 per quintal, with high-quality cotton at around ₹8,500 per quintal.Madhya Pradesh: In the Nimar and Malwa regions, high-quality cotton is selling at ₹9,000 per quintal or higher. In Khargone, some traders have purchased cotton at rates up to ₹9,721 per quintal.Currently, private traders are purchasing the new crop. Despite the good prices, the pace of arrivals remains slow, with daily sales across various markets ranging from approximately 2,000 to 5,000 quintals.The Central Government has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at ₹8,267 per quintal for medium-staple cotton and ₹8,667 per quintal for long-staple cotton. Rising prices of cotton lint and cottonseed are also providing support to the cotton market. Meanwhile, the total area under cotton cultivation this year has declined by 0.52% compared to the previous year. However, there has been a marginal increase in acreage in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.read more :- The rupee opened 7 paise weaker against the dollar at 95.67.

On Tuesday, the Indian rupee opened at 95.67 against the dollar, down 7 paise from its previous close of 95.60 on Monday.At the start of trading, the BSE Sensex opened at 77,418.97, down 309.19 points or 0.39 percent from its previous close of 77,728.16. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty 50 opened at 24,223.85, falling 0.26 percent from its previous close of 24,287.65.Read More :-  Rupee weakens by 12 paise against the dollar, closes at 95.60

The Indian rupee weakened by 12 paise against the US dollar on Monday, closing at 95.60 per dollar.The rupee opened at the 95.48 level. Amidst fluctuations during trading, the domestic currency closed at 95.60 per dollar, marking a decline of 12 paise.At close, the Sensex was down 281.09 points or 0.36 percent at 77,728.16, and the Nifty was down 78.35 points or 0.32 percent at 24,287.65. About 2025 shares advanced, 2213 shares declined, and 181 shares unchanged.read more :- Weak Monsoon Threatens Kharif Crops

Shifting Monsoon Patterns Threaten Kharif CropsConcerns regarding this year's Kharif crop yields have mounted due to weakening Southwest monsoon activity and uneven rainfall distribution. Although the situation improved slightly after a rainfall deficit of nearly 40% in late June, the country's rainfall remained 12% below the Long Period Average (LPA) as of August 13.Crops such as soybean, maize, and paddy are currently at critical growth stages that directly influence final yields. Experts believe the next two weeks will be crucial for the crops.Data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that total Kharif sowing covered an area approximately 2% smaller than last year's. The acreage for paddy was down by 3.7%, arhar (pigeon pea) and maize by 4% each, cotton by 1%, and sugarcane by 0.5%. Final production will now largely depend on adequate moisture availability during August and September.The IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall for August and September. While rainfall may remain near normal between August 13 and 19, monsoon activity is likely to weaken during the August 20–26 period. A northward shift of the monsoon trough is considered a primary reason for this trend.As of August 13, the rainfall deficit in Central India was only 1%, whereas deficits of 11% in Northwest India, 20% in the Southern Peninsula, and 27% in East and Northeast India were recorded. Bihar faced a 39% deficit, while Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Punjab each recorded a 31% shortfall.Experts emphasize that for agriculture, factors beyond total rainfall—such as timing, distribution, and soil moisture—are equally critical. Yields can be adversely affected by moisture stress during key phases: flowering and pod formation in soybeans, panicle emergence in paddy, and flowering and grain filling in maize. Cotton crops are vulnerable to damage from both drought and waterlogging. Therefore, rainfall conditions in August and September will play a crucial role in determining the final yield of Kharif crops.read more :- Daund Cotton Acreage Reaches 2,412 Acres

Maharashtra: Cotton acreage rises in Daund; sowing covers 2,412 acresIn the Daund taluka of Maharashtra's Pune district, the area under cotton cultivation is expanding alongside traditional crops. Known for the cultivation of sugarcane, onions, wheat, and pomegranates, this region is seeing cotton emerge as a significant Kharif season crop. According to available data, cotton has been sown across 2,412 acres in Daund taluka this year.In the 2021-22 season, cotton was cultivated on only 255 acres in Daund taluka. Since then, the acreage has seen a steady increase. This growth is attributed to both the farmers' growing interest and the guidance provided by the Agriculture Department.In the Daund region, a spacing of 4.5×2 feet is typically maintained for cotton sowing. Subsequent cultivation practices involve weeding and the application of fertilizers and pesticides as required. The average cotton yield in the area is reported to be between 18 and 20 quintals per acre.Current data indicates that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for high-quality cotton is ₹8,667 per quintal, an increase of ₹557 compared to the previous year. With a good harvest, farmers can earn between ₹1.50 lakh and ₹1.75 lakh per acre over a five-month period.It is claimed that planting sugarcane after a cotton crop leads to an average yield increase of 15 to 20 tonnes per acre for the sugarcane. This practice aids in optimal land utilization and helps maintain the crop rotation cycle.However, despite the increase in cotton acreage in Daund taluka, there is currently no authorized cotton procurement center. Farmers are demanding the establishment of a procurement center at the Daund APMC so that they do not have to travel to other regions to sell their produce.This year, the cotton crop is facing a significant weed infestation problem. In this context, farmers are being advised to focus on timely weeding and proper crop management. The region's fertile black soil and appropriate crop rotation can help boost cotton productivity.read more :- The rupee opened 5 paise weaker against the dollar at 95.48.

The rupee had closed at 95.43 on Friday, whereas today it opened at 95.48 per dollar.Markets opened on a weak note on Monday, with the Nifty 50 slipping 66.85 points or 0.27 per cent to 24,299.15 and the Sensex falling 305.23 points or 0.39 per cent to 77,704.02, as elevated crude oil prices and Middle East tensions continued to dampen investor mood.Read More :- CCI Raises Cotton Prices, Sales Cross 1.84 Lakh Bales

CCI Raises Cotton Prices by ₹1,500-₹1,800 per Candy; Weekly Auction Sales Cross 1.84 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) increased its cotton selling prices by ₹1,500–₹1,800 per candy during the week ending August 14, 2026, reflecting strong buying interest from textile mills and cotton traders.During the week, CCI sold approximately 1,84,600 bales of cotton from the 2025–26 crop, with robust participation across auctions despite a gradual decline in volumes toward the end of the week.Day-Wise CCI Auction PerformanceAugust 10, 2026 (Monday)CCI opened the week on a strong note, recording the highest auction volume of the week with 80,700 bales sold. Textile mills purchased 40,800 bales, while traders lifted 39,900 bales.August 11, 2026 (Tuesday)Auction sales moderated to 54,300 bales. Mills purchased 24,300 bales, while traders bought 30,000 bales.August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)CCI sold 28,900 bales, with mills accounting for 14,000 bales and traders purchasing 14,900 bales.August 13, 2026 (Thursday)Auction sales remained at 28,900 bales. Mills purchased 15,600 bales, while traders lifted 13,300 bales.August 14, 2026 (Friday)The week's auctions concluded with sales of 3,400 bales, including 2,500 bales purchased by mills and 900 bales by traders.Following the latest auctions, CCI's cumulative cotton sales for the 2025–26 season reached approximately 92,21,400 bales, underlining sustained demand from the domestic textile industry and cotton trade despite the recent increase in CCI selling prices.

Focus on MMF Essential to Boost Textile Exports: NITI AayogAccording to a joint report by NITI Aayog and CRISIL Intelligence, India needs to place greater emphasis on man-made fiber (MMF)-based products to achieve its textile export target of US$100 billion by FY30. Additionally, there is a need for large-scale manufacturing, improved access to global markets, and increased investment in technology and innovation.The textile sector is one of India's key manufacturing sectors. It contributes approximately 2% to the country's GDP, 11% to manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA), and nearly 9% to merchandise exports. It employs over 45 million people. In FY25, India exported textile products worth approximately US$37.7 billion, securing the sixth position globally with a 4.1% share of global textile and apparel exports.According to the report, the global textile market could reach **US$1.78–1.83 trillion** by 2027. Factors such as fast fashion, e-commerce, urbanization, and rising disposable income are expected to drive market growth. The growing demand for sustainable, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and performance-based products is also likely to boost MMF consumption.NITI Aayog notes that India's cotton-centric strategy is becoming a challenge, as global demand is rapidly shifting towards synthetic fibers. Cotton yarn production fell from 3,962 million kg in FY20 to 3,438 million kg in FY23. In contrast, the production of man-made filament yarn and blended/non-cotton yarn rose to 3,650 million kg.Raw material costs and import dependency pose significant challenges for the MMF sector. India meets approximately 75% of the demand for PTA and about 65% of the demand for MEG through domestic production. The report suggests reducing the GST on PTA and MEG, as well as lowering or eliminating the 5% customs duty on MEG.PTA capacity is expected to increase by approximately 5.5 million tonnes annually over the next 2–3 years; this could boost domestic feedstock availability and enhance the competitiveness of the MMF sector.read more :-Rupee weakens by 07 paise against the dollar, closes at 95.43

The Indian rupee weakened by 07 paise against the US dollar on Friday, closing at 95.43 per dollar.The rupee opened at the 95.36 level. Amidst fluctuations during trading, the domestic currency closed at 95.43 per dollar, marking a decline of 07 paise.At close, the Sensex was down 70.71 points or 0.09 percent at 78,009.25, and the Nifty was down 29.85 points or 0.12 percent at 24,366. About 1855 shares advanced, 2244 shares declined, and 174 shares unchanged.read more :- China Demand Lifts Cotton Consumption

Demand from China Boosts Cotton Consumption in IndiaRising demand for Indian cotton yarn in China has strengthened cotton consumption within India. There is particularly strong demand in China for coarser yarn counts, such as 16s and 21s, which are primarily used in heavy home textiles and knitted fabrics.According to the latest USDA report on the global cotton market and trade, India's cotton yarn exports have risen by 8% so far in the current marketing year. In the first ten months, exports of Indian cotton yarn to China nearly tripled, and India's share of China's yarn imports surged from 7% to 21%. A weaker rupee and the competitive pricing of Indian yarn have also benefited exports.Sharad Khemka, Managing Director of Kolkata-based S.P. Yarns, noted that purchases of Indian yarn have increased due to higher prices for local yarn in China. While China continues to buy Indian yarn, the recent rise in domestic cotton prices poses a challenge for exporters. India faces competition from Vietnam in the Chinese market, whereas Pakistan's market share has declined compared to the past.Dheeraj Khetan of Hyderabad-based Shri Salasar Balaji Agrotech stated that exports of Indian cotton yarn to markets like China and Bangladesh have grown. Buyers in China are prioritizing yarn over raw cotton because Indian prices are competitive.According to the USDA, India's cotton consumption is projected to reach a record 26.5 million bales in 2026-27, up from 26 million bales in 2025-26. Demand has been bolstered by government measures, including import duty concessions and support for the textile industry.Globally, cotton consumption is also expected to rise by 1 million bales to 122.9 million bales—a six-year high—driven primarily by increased demand in China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.read more :- The rupee opened 8 paise higher against the dollar at 95.36.