Have farmers abandoned cotton this year?Even having to make efforts to buy seedsAmravati, June 13 - Cotton sowing has been decreasing in West Vidarbha for the last few years. Cotton, known as white gold, is leading farmers to losses. In the last Kharif season, cotton was sown on 10.83 lakh hectares. This year it is expected to decrease to 10.70 lakh hectares.Cotton rates were low in the last season. Initially, the price was Rs 7,000 per quintal, but in the last phase of the season, the price fell to Rs 7400, due to which farmers did not get any benefit. In West Vidarbha, where most cotton is sown, cotton sowing area has been continuously decreasing for the last one and a half decade. After the arrival of BT seeds in the market, the infestation of bod jhali decreased for 4-5 years and productivity increased, but after that the attack of pink bod dawi on cotton and the attack of the sap sucking insect increased the cost of spraying pesticides.- Average area of cotton: 10 lakh 36,961 hectares- Sowing area for 2023-24: 10 lakh 82,450 hectares- Proposed area for 2024-25: 10 lakh 70,430 hectaresProduction is decreasingIn West Vidarbha, 90% of cotton is grown in non-irrigated area and its productivity is very low. Cotton is getting low prices for the last two years. The cotton kept at home in the hope of increasing prices is also not being sold at the expected price. Due to storage of cotton, the members of the farmer family are getting skin disorders like boils on the body, itching etc. Two years ago, cotton got a price of Rs 12 thousand per quintal, which fell to Rs 7 thousand in the last season. Because of this, farmers are worried.This year's Kharif season is starting. Still, there is no increase in the prices of cotton, while on the other hand, the prices of grains and pulses are good. Therefore, farmers can give priority to these crops this year. Cotton producers are facing the problem of laborers. Laborers are not available on time to pick cotton and they have to be paid more wages. This year, farmers are having to work hard even to get cotton seeds.Read more :- Mali’s Cotton Crisis: Unpaid Farmers Threaten Economic Stability
This evening, the rupee ended the day 2 paise weaker versus the US dollar, at 83.56.At the close of trading, the BSE Sensex rose 181.88 points, or 0.24%, to close at 76,992.77. The NSE's 50-share index Nifty gained 66.70 points, or 0.29%, to close at 23,465.60. During the day's trading, it had hit a new high of 23,490.40.Read more :- Textile industry in TN looks up to central govt to regain its past glory
This evening, the rupee appreciated by 1 paisa to settle at Rs 83.54 against the US dollar.At the close of trading, the BSE Sensex closed at 76,810.90, up 204.33 points or 0.27%. During the day's trading, it touched a new high of 77,145.46. On the other hand, the NSE's 50-share index Nifty closed at 23,398.90, up 75.95 points or 0.33%. It also reached a new high of 23,481.05 points during the day's trading.Read more :- Mali’s Cotton Crisis: Unpaid Farmers Threaten Economic Stability
Unpaid Farmers in Mali's Cotton Crisis: Endangering Economic StabilityMali’s cotton growers face severe financial hardship due to months of unpaid wages, jeopardizing future production and creating widespread economic instability. Many cotton cooperatives, especially in rural areas like Defina, have not received payments for their 2023 harvest. This financial strain threatens the livelihoods of countless farmers who have long been the backbone of Mali’s economic development, particularly in cotton-growing regions. Frustration is mounting, with calls for the resignation of the CMDT’s Managing Director, who is seen as responsible for resolving the crisis.Cotton is Mali’s second-largest export, vital for national income, with gold being the top export. However, 2023 cotton exports fell significantly, 29% short of initial forecasts, worsening the situation. Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara has urged the CMDT to prioritize paying farmers before the Tabaski holiday. Timely payments are essential to encourage continued cotton production and help Mali regain its previous position as Africa’s leading producer, a title currently held by Benin.Mali’s cotton production crisis threatens both farmers’ well-being and national economic stability. Economists emphasize the urgency for authorities to take action, ensuring payments and boosting production. Only decisive steps can help Mali reclaim its position as a leading cotton producer in Africa.
This evening, the rupee appreciated by 2 paise to close at 83.55 against the US dollar.At the close of trading, the BSE Sensex rose 149.98 points or 0.20% to close at 76,606.57. The NSE's 50-share index Nifty rose 58.70 points or 0.25% to close at 23,323.55.Read more :- Textile industry in TN looks up to central govt to regain its past glory
North sources claim that India's fizzling monsoon could prolong the heatwave.India's monsoon rains have lost momentum after covering western regions ahead of schedule, and their arrival in northern and central states could be delayed, extending a heatwave in the grain-growing plains, two senior weather officials told Reuters.Summer rains, critical to spur economic growth in Asia's third-largest economy, usually begin in the south around June 1 before spreading nationwide by July 8, allowing farmers to plant crops such as rice, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane."The monsoon has slowed down after reaching Maharashtra and may take a week to regain momentum," an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) told Reuters.The monsoon arrived nearly two days ahead of schedule in the western state home to the commercial capital of Mumbai, but its progress in central and northern states will be delayed by a few days, added the official, who sought anonymity.The lifeblood of the nearly $3.5-trillion economy, the monsoon brings nearly 70% of the rain India needs to water farms and refill reservoirs and aquifers.In the absence of irrigation, nearly half the farmland in the world's second-biggest producer of rice, wheat and sugar depends on the annual rains that usually run from June to September.The maximum temperature in India's northern states ranges between 42 degrees Celsius and 46 degrees C (108 degrees Fahrenheit to 115 degrees F), which is nearly 3 degrees C to 5 degrees C (5 degrees F and 9 degrees F) above normal, the IMD data showed.India's northern and eastern states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Odisha, are likely to experience days of heatwave in the next two weeks, another weather official said."Weather models are not indicating any early respite from the heatwave," the official said. "The delay in the monsoon's progress will increase temperatures in the northern plains." Both officials sought anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.India is among several parts of Asia wilting in an unusually hot summer, a trend scientists say has been worsened by human-driven climate change.Read More :> Textile industry in TN looks up to central govt to regain its past glory
TN's textile sector turns on the federal government to restore its former grandeur.The textile industry in Tamil Nadu is appealing to the central government to remove the 11% import duty on cotton to regain its competitive edge in the global market.COIMBATORE: The decline in orders from Western countries has severely impacted at least 35% of spinning mills and fabric manufacturers in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts. Industry associations report difficulty in competing with Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam, despite the price of cotton candy falling from ₹1.10 lakh in 2021-22 to ₹57,000 - ₹60,000. The 11% duty on cotton imports and quality control orders on certain fibre varieties are major hurdles.K. Selvaraju, Secretary General of The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), emphasized the issue, stating, "Despite falling cotton prices, mills can't benefit due to cheaper cotton and synthetic fabric imports from Bangladesh, which are 15% and 8%-15% cheaper respectively. Exports are also suffering as orders from Western countries have dropped significantly. The government must remove the 11% import duty on cotton to help India become competitive globally."Selvaraju also suggested easing import norms for synthetic fibre, as under the current quality control order, polyester staple fibre can only be purchased from BIS licensees.S. Jagadesh Chandran, Secretary of the South Indian Spinners Association (SISPA), noted that "around 25% of the 2000 spinning mills in Tamil Nadu have ceased operations, as leading brands now import fabric from Bangladesh. Factors such as electricity tariffs and labor costs further impact the mills. Regardless of their size, mills incur an operating loss of around ₹20 per kilo of yarn produced."Prabhu Dhamodharan, Convener of the Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF), highlighted, "Retailers in developed markets exhausted their inventory in the last two quarters of 2023 and have been purchasing since the beginning of this year. Although orders are returning, we face intense competition from Bangladesh and Vietnam. The current stability in cotton prices is favorable, but we need to build competitiveness and diversify products to mitigate pressure from competition."Dhamodharan added that the industry anticipates new government measures to regain competitiveness and specialization to leverage the China-plus-one strategy. He expressed optimism, saying, "We expect a considerable drop in the import of dyed knitted fabric from China after the imposition of additional duty, which will allow the domestic sector to gain volumes from July."READ MORE :> IMD Weather Update: Heatwave Conditions Expected in Parts of India Until June 15
In early trade, the rupee climbs 5 paise to 83.54 against the US dollar. Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, opened higher on Wednesday. The indices rose 0.6% each in early trade led by gains in tech stocks. The rupee rose 5 paise to 83.54 against the US dollar in early trade.READ MORE :> Hanumangarh: Fear of pink caterpillar leads to massive reduction in cotton sowing area
The rupee lost 6 paise vs the dollar this evening, closing at 83.57 rupees.At the close of trade, the BSE Sensex closed down 33.48 points or 0.044% at 76,456.59. At the same time, NSE's 50-share index Nifty closed at 23,264.85 with a marginal gain of 5.65 points or 0.024%.Read more :- Hanumangarh: Fear of pink caterpillar leads to massive reduction in cotton sowing area
Hanumangarh: A significant decrease in the cotton sowing area is caused by a fear of pink caterpillars.Cotton sowing has come down drastically this season and is much less than last year's 2 lakh hectares. The sowing area has come down by 50%, the lowest in a decade. This has raised concerns about the economy of the district.Cotton is a major kharif crop and a primary source of income for farmers, contributing significantly to the district's economy. Last year, an infestation of pink caterpillars devastated 80% of the cotton crop, leading to huge financial losses. As a result, farmers have turned to alternative crops such as paddy, guar, moong, sesame and millet, which are expected to increase in sowing area this year.Despite efforts by the agriculture department to educate farmers about pest control, fear of another caterpillar infestation has put cotton sowing on hold. This shift could impact the economy of the district, which traditionally earns around Rs 4 thousand crore from cotton grown in 2 lakh hectares. While other crops like paddy and sesame promise good yields, the overall economic impact remains uncertain.Key changes in crop sowing:Cotton: Decreased from 2 lakh hectares to 90 thousand hectares.Paddy: Expected to increase from 35 thousand 900 hectares last year to 70 thousand hectares.Groundnut, Guar, Moong and Sesame: Sowing areas are also expected to increase significantly.B R Bakolia, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Extension) in Hanumangarh confirmed the trend and informed that cotton sowing has come down, but there is optimism about the yield of other crops. Final sowing data will be available next week.Read more :- IMD Weather Update: Heatwave Conditions Expected in Parts of India Until June 15
IMD Weather Update: Up until June 15, heatwave conditions are predicted in some parts of IndiaThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for several regions in India, effective until June 15. The affected areas include parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Jharkhand, and Odisha, where heatwave conditions are expected from June 11-15.In addition, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh may experience similar conditions from June 12-15, and Rajasthan is likely to face heatwave conditions on June 12 and 13. East Madhya Pradesh may also encounter warm night conditions on June 11 and 12.Isolated areas of Gangetic West Bengal and Bihar are expected to face severe heatwave conditions on June 11 and 12, while pockets of Uttar Pradesh may experience similar weather from June 11-15.On Tuesday, maximum temperatures ranged from 42-45 degrees Celsius in parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and isolated areas of Bihar, Jharkhand, East Madhya Pradesh, and Gangetic West Bengal. These temperatures were 3-5 degrees Celsius above normal.The IMD also predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall over South Madhya Pradesh, Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Coastal and North Interior Karnataka on June 11. Parts of Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal are likely to see heavy rainfall from June 11-14, with Arunachal Pradesh expecting similar conditions on June 13 and 14.Additionally, scattered light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (up to 30-40 km/h) are forecast for Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha from June 12-14. Similar conditions are expected in pockets of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh over the next five days. Strong surface winds are predicted for Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana until June 14.Read More :> Cotton Sowing Commences in South India with Advancing Monsoon
The advancing monsoon in South India marks the start of cotton sowing.As chilli prices weaken, the natural fibre crop may gain in Telangana, says trade.A firm trend in cottonseed prices is supporting cotton prices as sowing for the kharif 2024 season begins in the southern states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, which have started receiving monsoon rains. The trade expects cotton acreage to rise in Telangana, where some chilli farmers may shift to cotton due to weak chilli prices.“The cotton-growing areas in Karnataka and Telangana have received a couple of spells of rain, which is a positive sign for the crop,” said Ramanuj Das Boob, a sourcing agent for multinationals and domestic buyers in Raichur. The expectation is that there will be an increase in area in Telangana as cotton prices are ruling firm ahead of the planting season, while chilli prices are not that great and may prompt farmers to go for cotton, Boob said.The monsoon, which began in the last week of May, has advanced, covering most of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, most parts of Telangana, and parts of Maharashtra.Inhibiting Factors“All the major cotton-producing states such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have received good rainfall, and seed purchases have picked up in the past couple of days,” said Baya Reddy, agri-inputs sales leader at BigHaat, an online marketplace for agri-inputs. The purchase progress of cottonseeds ranges between 35% and 50% in these states, and planting may have taken place in about a tenth of the targeted areas. Reddy noted that cotton acreages are likely to decrease in a few areas such as Kurnool and parts of Telangana due to crop shifts that vary from market to market.In North India, where cotton planting begins early from mid-April, acreages are likely to drop by about a fourth due to factors such as increased pest infestation in recent years and rising labor costs.Kapas Prices Remain FirmBoob mentioned that raw cotton, or kapas, prices are ruling firm and ranging around ₹7,500-7,600 per quintal, above the minimum support price (MSP) levels in parts of Karnataka and Telangana. An increase in demand for cottonseeds for crushing is keeping prices firm, even as market arrivals of raw cotton have dwindled. In Karnataka, the daily market arrivals of cotton are around 2,000 bales, while in Maharashtra, it is around 15,000-20,000 bales. Boob said the cottonseed prices are ruling between ₹3,300 and ₹3,500 per quintal, up from around ₹2,800-3,000 about a month ago.READ MORE :> Increase in Kharif Cotton Cultivation Expected in Adilabad District
In early trade, the rupee opens flat vs the US dollar.The RBI’s positive economic outlook is likely to benefit the rupee from a favourable interest rate differential, say forex dealers; the Indian currency opened at 83.49 against the American currency and touched 83.50 in initial tradeREAD MORE :> AUSTRALIA'S Cotton crop production is forecast to reach 4.6 million tonnes for 2023-24
The rupee ended the day 14 paise worse against the US dollar, at 83.51.At the close of trading, the BSE Sensex rose 203.28 points or 0.27% to close at 76,490.08. During the day's trading, the Sensex had reached a high of 77,079.04, its highest level till date. The NSE's 50-share index Nifty rose 30.95 points or 0.13% to close at 23,259.20. The Nifty also made a new all-time high of 23,411.90 points during the day's trading.Read more :- Increase in Kharif Cotton Cultivation Expected in Adilabad District
It is anticipated that Australia would produce 4.6 million tons of cotton in 2023–2024.Australia’s cotton production is forecast to fall by 13pc to 1.1Mt in 2023-24 but remain 41pc above the 10-year average to 2022-23.Falling production reflects an estimated drop in area planted to cotton, which will drop by 16pc to 477,000ha, and more than offset higher aggregate yields.Queensland drove the total drop in production, estimated to fall 39pc to 310,000t due to reduced plantings of both dryland and irrigated cotton.Plantings were heavily impacted by dry conditions in early spring and lower irrigation water availability.Despite the fall in area, adequate rainfall and suitable temperatures during the growing season boosted yields.NSW is expected to harvest more cotton lint than last season, with production estimated to rise by 4pc to 761,000t due to strong yields.Timely planting of irrigated cotton and high water storages in the southern Murray–Darling Basin have supported an increase in irrigated cotton production across NSW.Below average rainfall and soil moisture in September and October led to disruptions in dryland cotton planting.However, above average rainfall in November prompted late planting across the state, leading to higher dryland production than previously anticipated.READ MORE :> Increase in Kharif Cotton Cultivation Expected in Adilabad District
In Adilabad District, More Cotton Is Anticipated for KharifAdilabad: With more farmers opting for cotton over soybeans, the area under cotton farming in Adilabad district is expected to rise during this Kharif season. Farmers have begun sowing cotton seeds following the onset of monsoon rains.It is estimated that cotton will be sown on 4.5 lakh acres this year, up from 4.16 lakh acres last year. In the undivided Adilabad district, cotton cultivation spans nearly 18 lakh acres.Agriculture department officials attribute the increase to farmers shifting from soybeans to cotton due to better price prospects for cotton. Farmers are preparing their land for sowing various cotton seed varieties, with many favoring the Rasi 659 variety. Adilabad is well-known for cotton cultivation and hosts several ginning and pressing industries in Telangana.Last year, the Centre offered a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 7,020 per quintal for cotton. Farmers anticipate a hike in the MSP this year, especially after suffering losses due to flood damage to standing crops last season.Read More :> India's monsoon hits key western state
In early trade, the rupee drops 10 paise to 83.50 against the US dollar. Sensex breaches 77,000-mark; Nifty hits record high level in early tradeREAD MORE :> Punjab Cotton Production Faces Steep Decline as Acreage Hits Record Low
This evening, the rupee appreciated by 10 paise to settle at 83.37 against the US dollar.At the close of trading, the BSE Sensex rose 1,618.85 points or 2.16% to close at 76,693.36. The NSE's 50-share index Nifty rose 468.75 points or 2.05% to close at 23,290.15.Read more :- Punjab Cotton Production Faces Steep Decline as Acreage Hits Record Low
Punjab's Cotton Production Is Declining Sharply as Acreage Drops to All-Time LowCotton cultivation in Punjab has hit a historic low, with only 96,614 hectares sown this year, a sharp decline from 1.79 lakh hectares last year, marking a 46% drop. Despite setting a lower target of 2 lakh hectares for cotton, the Punjab agriculture department failed to meet it.The main cotton-growing districts—Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, and Mansa—have all seen significant reductions in cotton acreage. For instance, Fazilka's cotton area fell from 92,000 to 50,341 hectares.Several factors contribute to this decline, including pest infestations, spurious seeds, and inadequate procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). Farmers often have to sell their cotton below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), with the CCI buying minimal quantities.Many farmers, disillusioned by poor returns and pest attacks, are shifting to paddy cultivation. The Punjab government’s crop diversification efforts seem to have faltered, with an increasing number of farmers now favoring paddy over cotton.Agriculture officials acknowledge the challenges but emphasize that economic viability ultimately drives farmers' choices. Despite advisories to promote cotton sowing, the persistent issues with MSP and climate conditions have made cotton a less attractive option for Punjab’s farmers.Read More :> Farmers Begin Sowing Early Varieties of Cotton in Indore Division
In early trade on Friday, the rupee gained 7 paise to 83.46 against the US dollar.The rupee inched up 1 paisa to 83.43 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday on the back of a weak American currency and positive domestic equity markets.Read More :> India's monsoon hits key western state
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Did farmers turn their back on cotton this year? | 14-06-2024 18:13:19 | view |
| The rupee closed 2 paise lower at 83.56 against the US dollar this evening. | 14-06-2024 16:33:16 | view |
| The rupee strengthened by 1 paisa to close at Rs 83.54 against the dollar this evening. | 13-06-2024 16:27:42 | view |
| Mali’s Cotton Crisis: Unpaid Farmers Threaten Economic Stability | 13-06-2024 12:50:07 | view |
| The rupee strengthened by 2 paise to close at 83.55 against the US dollar this evening. | 12-06-2024 16:25:04 | view |
| India's fizzling monsoon could prolong heatwave in north, sources say | 12-06-2024 14:13:30 | view |
| Textile industry in TN looks up to central govt to regain its past glory | 12-06-2024 11:29:32 | view |
| Rupee rises 5 paise to 83.54 against US dollar in early trade | 12-06-2024 10:34:00 | view |
| This evening, the rupee closed at 83.57 rupees with a weakness of 6 paise against the dollar. | 11-06-2024 16:23:17 | view |
| Hanumangarh: Fear of pink caterpillar leads to massive reduction in cotton sowing area | 11-06-2024 15:12:15 | view |
| IMD Weather Update: Heatwave Conditions Expected in Parts of India Until June 15 | 11-06-2024 11:43:20 | view |
| Cotton Sowing Commences in South India with Advancing Monsoon | 11-06-2024 11:18:51 | view |
| Rupee opens flat against US dollar in early trades | 11-06-2024 10:25:32 | view |
| This evening, the rupee closed 14 paise lower at 83.51 against the US dollar. | 10-06-2024 16:29:24 | view |
| AUSTRALIA'S Cotton crop production is forecast to reach 4.6 million tonnes for 2023-24 | 10-06-2024 14:15:20 | view |
| Increase in Kharif Cotton Cultivation Expected in Adilabad District | 10-06-2024 12:00:58 | view |
| Rupee falls 10 paise to 83.50 against US dollar in early trade | 10-06-2024 10:32:43 | view |
| The rupee strengthened by 10 paise to close at 83.37 against the US dollar this evening. | 07-06-2024 16:29:54 | view |
| Punjab Cotton Production Faces Steep Decline as Acreage Hits Record Low | 07-06-2024 11:28:31 | view |
| Rupee on Friday rose 7 paise to 83.46 against the US dollar in early trade | 07-06-2024 10:19:20 | view |
