Rising costs and global challenges are putting pressure on Gujarat's textile industry.Gujarat's textile industry—widely considered the backbone of India's man-made fiber (MMF) sector—is facing one of the most severe financial downturns in its recent history, with Surat, the textile hub of South Gujarat, at the epicenter of the crisis.A combination of geopolitical tensions in West Asia, rising crude oil prices, increasing yarn costs, declining global demand, and increasing trade pressures have pushed the sector into a deep crisis. According to industry estimates, losses of approximately ₹2,500-₹3,000 crore have been incurred in the last 60 days, and many weaving units are now operating at only about half their installed capacity.Surat, one of India's largest textile production centers, is currently facing a "severe crisis" of "increased costs and weak market demand," as described by industry stakeholders. What began as an external shock linked to geopolitical instability has rapidly transformed into a structural strain on the region's textile economy, severely impacting the profits of manufacturers, traders, and related workers.At the root of this crisis is the sharp rise in crude oil prices, which has directly impacted the MMF value chain. Since most synthetic textile production relies heavily on petroleum-derived raw materials, high crude oil rates have significantly increased yarn prices. Despite the significant increase in input costs, market fabric prices have not adjusted proportionately, leading to a widening gap between production costs and realization.According to Ashok Jirawala, President of the Gujarat Weavers Association (FOGWA), many manufacturers are being forced to sell below production costs to continue operations. He explained that the imbalance between rising input costs and stable market prices has become a persistent burden incurring daily losses across the region.READ MORE :- Tirupur Garment Industry Urges Centre to Scrap Cotton Import Duty
Garment Exporters and Manufacturers from Tirupur Demand Removal of Import Duty on CottonA delegation of garment manufacturers and exporters from Tirupur met with the Union Textiles, Agriculture, and Commerce Ministers in New Delhi on Wednesday to demand the removal of the current 11% import duty on cotton.A. Sakthivel, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, led the delegation. The delegation met with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, as well as Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan.The delegation highlighted the challenges faced by the apparel and textile industry due to high cotton prices and rising input costs. India has recently signed several free trade agreements (FTAs), creating significant opportunities for increased textile and apparel exports. However, while other apparel exporting countries are able to obtain cotton at internationally competitive prices, Indian manufacturers face high raw material prices due to the current import duty structure.Reduction in import duty on cotton is essential to help the Indian apparel industry gain more trade opportunities from FTA partner countries and enhance India's competitiveness in the global market.The textile industry's cotton requirement for the current year is estimated to be approximately 337 lakh bales, while cotton arrivals for the 2025-2026 season are projected to be only 292.15 lakh bales, resulting in a demand-supply gap of approximately 45 lakh bales. The delegation informed the ministers that this shortage is expected to increase pressure on spinning mills and the downstream textile industry due to rising input costs and limited availability of quality raw materials.READ MORE :-The rupee opened at 95.73 with a fall of 02 paise
The rupee fell by 02 paise to open at 95.73 USDOn Thursday, the Indian rupee opened 02 paise lower at 95.73 against the dollar, while it had closed at 95.71 on Wednesday.Read more :- The rupee closed at 95.71 against the dollar, down 10 paise.
On Wednesday, after opening at 95.61 in morning trade, the Indian rupee fell by 10 paise to close at 95.71 against the US dollar.At the close, the Sensex ended 49.74 points, or 0.07 percent, higher at 74,608.98, while the Nifty rose 33.05 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 23,412.60.Read More :- The rupee opened 02 paise higher at 95.61
The Rupee opened 2 paise higher at 95.61 against the USD.On Wednesday, the Indian Rupee opened at 95.61 against the US Dollar, gaining 2 paise, whereas it had closed at 95.63 on Tuesday.Read More:- The Rupee closed 13 paise lower against the Dollar at 95.63
On Tuesday, after opening at 95.50 in morning trade, the Indian Rupee fell by 13 paise to close at 95.63 against the US Dollar.At the close, the Sensex stood at 74,559.24, down 1,456.04 points or 1.92 percent, while the Nifty was at 23,379.55, down 436.30 points or 1.83 percent. Market breadth remained sharply negative, with 3,219 shares declining against 875 advances.READ MORE :- Rupee Opens at 95.50 Down 19 Paise
Rupee Opens at 95.50 Against the Dollar, Down 19 PaiseOn Tuesday, the Indian Rupee opened at 95.50 against the US Dollar a decline of 19 paise whereas it had closed at 95.31 on Monday.READ MORE :- The rupee ended 43 paise lower at 95.31 against the dollar.
On Monday, the Indian Rupee declined by 43 paise to close at 95.31 against the US dollar, after opening at 94.88 in morning trade.Stock market crashes today: Sensex tumbles over 1,312 points, Nifty dips 360.30 points to 23,815.85 amid heavy selling in realty and consumer stocksread more :- Cotton Productivity Mission: Proper Implementation, Better Results
Cotton Productivity Mission: The Key to Success Lies in Effective ImplementationIndia’s ₹5,659 crore Cotton Productivity Mission has been launched at a time when the country’s cotton economy is grappling with severe agricultural and industrial challenges. Steadily declining yields, rising pest infestations, and shrinking acreage have weakened a crop that was once considered the backbone of rural income and India’s textile industry. In this context, this initiative by the Centre is not merely a plan to boost production, but also an endeavor to restore the confidence of farmers who have gradually drifted away from cotton cultivation. For states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, this mission holds particular significance.In the Malwa region of Punjab, cotton was once a reliable cash crop. However, recurrent attacks by whiteflies and pink bollworms, weather uncertainties, and rising cultivation costs have driven farmers back toward paddy cultivation—a practice that is already exacerbating the groundwater crisis. The shrinking acreage under cotton in North India clearly reflects the fact that farmers today are struggling amidst environmental instability and economic insecurity.The mission’s emphasis on climate-resilient seed varieties, high-density planting techniques, modern ginning infrastructure, and extra-long staple cotton is undoubtedly a positive step. If India aspires to become a leader in the global textile industry, it must reduce its dependence on premium-quality imported cotton. The comprehensive strategy—spanning "Farm to Fibre, Fashion, and Foreign Markets"—acknowledges the fact that agriculture and manufacturing are deeply intertwined.However, the true success of this mission will hinge upon its effective implementation at the grassroots level. Farmers require timely access to quality seeds, affordable credit, scientific pest management, and a crop insurance mechanism that offers genuine protection rather than getting bogged down in bureaucratic formalities. If farmers are to be drawn back to cotton cultivation, restoring trust in the procurement mechanism will be equally essential. In states grappling with water crises—such as Punjab and Haryana—the resurgence of cotton cultivation could prove instrumental in reducing dependence on paddy and conserving groundwater. However, if this mission, too, remains confined to mere paper plans and sluggish coordination, the country will once again find itself trapped in the very cycle of despair that previously compelled farmers to abandon cotton farming.read more :- Tamil Nadu: Farmers Concerned Over Continuous Rain in Nagapattinam District
Continuous Rains in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, Heighten Concerns for Cotton FarmersContinuous summer rains over the past three days in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, have adversely affected cotton cultivation in several areas of the Thirumarugal block. With rainwater inundating their fields, farmers are increasingly apprehensive about potential crop damage.According to reports, incessant rain has been falling since midnight in Thirumarugal, Alathur, Eravancheri, Marungur, Neikuppai, Thirukannapuram, Ambal, Polagam, and surrounding regions. Heavy summer showers have been recorded across various parts of the district over the last three days.Farmers in the Thirumarugal block had undertaken extensive cotton sowing as a summer crop. The crop is currently in the crucial flowering and boll formation stage. However, many farmers have not yet been able to complete the task of earthing up (mounding soil around the plants) in their fields. Due to the continuous rainfall, water has accumulated in numerous fields, thereby hindering the growth of the cotton plants.Cotton farmer R. Shiva stated, "Due to the rains, the flowers on the cotton plants are shedding, which could lead to a drastic decline in yield."Another farmer, P. Kathir, warned that if water remains stagnant in the fields for an extended period, the plant roots could rot, potentially causing severe financial losses for the farmers. He further cautioned that the extent of the damage could escalate if the rains persist in this manner.read more :- CCI Hikes Cotton Candy Price by ₹4,100; Auction Crosses 5.85 Lakh Bales
CCI Raises Cotton Candy Prices by ₹4,100 per Candy; Weekly Auction Sales Cross 5.85 Lakh BalesThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised its cotton prices by ₹4,100 per candy during the week from May 04 to May 08 2026, the auctions witnessed strong participation from mills and cotton traders, resulting weekly sales of about 5,85,500 bales from the 2025–26 season.Day-wise Auction PerformanceMay 04, 2026 (Monday):The week started on a strong note, recording the highest single-day sales of 2,36,400 bales. Mills purchased 89,600 bales, while traders led the buying activity with 1,46,800 bales.May 05, 2026 (Tuesday):Auction activity moderated slightly, with total sales reaching 1,59,900 bales. Mills bought 70,600 bales, whereas traders purchased 89,300 bales.May 06, 2026 (Wednesday):CCI reported total sales of 1,21,900 bales during the day. Mills accounted for 55,300 bales, while traders purchased 66,600 bales.May 07, 2026 (Thursday):Sales volume declined further, with 40,300 bales sold during the session. Mills purchased 22,300 bales, while traders bought 18,000 bales.May 08, 2026 (Friday):The week ended with total sales of 27,000 bales. Mills purchased 12,000 bales, while traders remained active with purchases of 15,000 bales.Cumulative Sales UpdateCCI’s total sales have reached:2025–26 season: 65,98,000 bales
Important Update for Cotton Farmers: Government Tightens Grip on Sale and Sowing of Bt Seeds—Wait Required for Now!Jalgaon: In view of the upcoming 2026 Kharif season, the Maharashtra government has taken stringent measures to curb the growing threat of the Pink Bollworm in cotton crops. The State Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries has issued directives implementing a new schedule regarding the sale, supply, and sowing of Bt cotton seeds.According to a government circular issued on May 8, 2026, all agricultural agencies and officials across the state have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with these regulations. The directives, sent by the Ministry to the office of the Agriculture Commissioner (Pune), clearly state that premature sowing of cotton fosters Pink Bollworm outbreaks, thereby having a severe adverse impact on crop production.The government maintains that early sowing creates an environment conducive to the pest's life cycle, potentially leading to massive crop damage. Over the past few years, farmers in several major cotton-producing districts of the state—including Jalgaon—have suffered extensive losses due to the Pink Bollworm infestation. Drawing upon this experience, the government has significantly heightened its vigilance this time around.The government order appeals to farmers to undertake cotton sowing only during the specific period recommended by the Department of Agriculture. Furthermore, district and taluka-level agricultural officials have been directed to conduct awareness campaigns to educate farmers on the importance of using certified and authorized Bt seeds.Additionally, the administration has been instructed to monitor the sale of illegal and unauthorized seeds and to take punitive action against those found violating the regulations.read more :- Rupee Opens at 94.88 Down 40 Paise
Rupee Opens at 94.88 Against the USD Down 40 PaiseOn Monday the Indian Rupee opened at 94.88 against the US Dollar a decline of 40 paise compared to its closing level of 94.48 on Friday.Read More:- Demand to completely eliminate import duty on cotton intensifies.
‘Demand to Completely Remove Import Duty on Cotton’A new study released by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) calls for the complete elimination of the 11% import duty currently levied on cotton.Titled "Economic Analysis of Cotton Supply, Pricing, and Trade Policy in India," the report states that the import duty is adversely affecting the competitiveness of the country's textile and garment sectors. According to the report, it is crucial for the industry to have easy and reliable access to imported cotton during periods when domestic production is low.The study, jointly prepared by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and Gherzi, notes that the import duty on cotton was temporarily suspended from August to December 2025 but was subsequently reimposed effective January 1, 2026.The report points out that since the duty was first implemented in 2021, temporary relief has been granted twice; however, the industry is now demanding its permanent removal. The industry argues that India's key competitor nations—Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan—do not impose such restrictions on cotton imports.The study also suggests establishing a Strategic Reserve for cotton, modeled after China's approach. According to the report, textile and apparel exports declined by 2.2% in the fiscal year 2025-26, falling to $35.79 billion.Speaking at a media briefing held in Coimbatore on Thursday, CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran stated that the Gherzi-ICAC report presents a practical and detailed roadmap for the textile and apparel industry to achieve its target of $350 billion by 2030.Meanwhile, K. Selvaraju, Secretary General of the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA), noted that the area under cotton cultivation has shrunk by approximately 20% over the past three years, and productivity levels in India remain significantly low. He stated that to achieve the 2030 target, the industry would need to grow at an annual rate of approximately 15%. However, under current circumstances, this appears to be a challenging task.He also noted that freight and logistics costs have risen due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Furthermore, shortages of gas, along with rising prices of oil-based raw materials, dyes, and chemicals, have placed additional pressure on the textile and garment industry.read more :- The Rupee higher by 10 paise to close at 94.48 per dollar.
On Friday, the Indian Rupee higher by 10 paise to close at 94.48 per dollar, while it had opened at 94.58 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 516.33 points or 0.66 percent at 77,328.19, and the Nifty was down 150.50 points or 0.62 percent at 24,176.15. About 1988 shares advanced, 2048 shares declined, and 170 shares unchanged.
Cotton Sowing Set to Decline in Khandesh; Area Feared to Drop Below 8 Lakh HectaresFor the second consecutive year, the area under cotton cultivation in the Khandesh region is expected to witness a decline. Estimates suggest that the total cotton sowing area in the region this year could remain below 8 lakh hectares. Jalgaon district is projected to account for the largest share of this total, with cotton cultivation estimated to cover approximately 4.75 lakh hectares. As the district with the largest cotton-growing area in the state, Jalgaon is expected to retain its leading position this year as well.However, alongside Jalgaon, the districts of Dhule and Nandurbar are also observing a continuous decline in the area dedicated to cotton cultivation. In Jalgaon district, the cotton cultivation area stood at 5.67 lakh hectares in 2022; this figure dropped to 5.54 lakh hectares in 2023 and further to 5.11 lakh hectares in 2024. During the previous season (2023-24), this figure remained limited to approximately 4.80 lakh hectares.Across the entire Khandesh region, the area under cotton cultivation was 8.70 lakh hectares in 2022. This figure declined to 8.50 lakh hectares in 2023 and 8.30 lakh hectares in 2024. This year, cotton sowing is estimated to cover approximately 1.60 lakh hectares in Dhule district and around 80,000 hectares in Nandurbar district. The most significant decline is being recorded in Dhule district.Cotton Cultivation Becomes a Loss-Making VentureCotton cultivation is proving to be increasingly unprofitable for farmers. Issues such as the growing infestation of the Pink Bollworm, a shortage of agricultural labor, and low market prices for cotton have heightened farmers' concerns. Consequently, many farmers in drought-prone areas are now shifting away from cotton and turning towards soybean cultivation instead.Meanwhile, farmers who possess adequate irrigation facilities are prioritizing cash crops such as papaya and banana. Some farmers have also decided to reduce the area they had previously allocated for cotton cultivation this year. Jalgaon Still Ranks Number One in the StateFor several years now, the Jalgaon district has maintained the top position in Maharashtra in terms of cotton cultivation. Even though the area under cotton cultivation in the district is likely to decrease this year, Jalgaon is expected to remain the district with the highest cotton sowing area in the state.Jalgaon is followed by the Yavatmal district, where cotton is sown annually across an area of approximately 4.5 lakh hectares—or slightly less.Read More :- The Rupee opened at 94.58 recording a decline of 33 paise.
| title | Created At | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Costs and Global Headwinds Strain Gujarat’s Textile Industry | 14-05-2026 12:05:48 | view |
| Tirupur Garment Industry Urges Centre to Scrap Cotton Import Duty | 14-05-2026 11:52:50 | view |
| The rupee opened at 95.73 with a fall of 02 paise | 14-05-2026 09:22:28 | view |
| The rupee closed at 95.71 against the dollar, down 10 paise. | 13-05-2026 16:01:04 | view |
| The rupee opened 02 paise higher at 95.61 | 13-05-2026 09:45:42 | view |
| The Rupee closed 13 paise lower against the Dollar at 95.63 | 12-05-2026 15:57:40 | view |
| Rupee Opens at 95.50 Down 19 Paise | 12-05-2026 10:45:56 | view |
| The rupee ended 43 paise lower at 95.31 against the dollar. | 11-05-2026 17:05:11 | view |
| Cotton Productivity Mission: Proper Implementation, Better Results | 11-05-2026 16:48:26 | view |
| Tamil Nadu: Farmers Concerned Over Continuous Rain in Nagapattinam District | 11-05-2026 16:37:27 | view |
| CCI Hikes Cotton Candy Price by ₹4,100; Auction Crosses 5.85 Lakh Bales | 11-05-2026 13:25:15 | view |
| Government Cracks Down on BT Cotton Seed Sales; Waiting Before Sowing Is Mandatory! | 11-05-2026 10:52:47 | view |
| Rupee Opens at 94.88 Down 40 Paise | 11-05-2026 09:20:21 | view |
| Demand to completely eliminate import duty on cotton intensifies. | 08-05-2026 18:25:09 | view |
| The Rupee higher by 10 paise to close at 94.48 per dollar. | 08-05-2026 15:58:53 | view |
| Cotton acreage in Khandesh is feared to drop below 800,000 hectares. | 08-05-2026 15:38:50 | view |
