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Cotton is projected to reach 320-325 lakh bales in 2025-26, says the President of the Indian Cotton FederationThe Indian Cotton Federation (ICF), formerly known as the South India Cotton Association, held its 46th Annual General Meeting on 28th September 2025 at GKS Cotton Chambers.Thulasidharan was re-elected as President, while Nataraj and Aditya Krishna Pathy were re-elected as Vice Presidents. Nishant Asher continues as Honorary Secretary, and Chetan Joshi as Honorary Joint Secretary for 2025-26.At the meeting, Thulasidharan highlighted a growing global movement towards natural, sustainable fibres. “Consumers and brands alike are rethinking synthetics and demanding eco-friendly alternatives. This is a moment tailor-made for cotton, and our association will fully pursue this trend—working to position Indian cotton as the fibre of choice in a planet-conscious era,” he said.Sharing the forecast for cotton production in India for 2025-26, the President stated that the cultivation area is estimated at about 12 million hectares. With favourable climatic conditions, the crop is projected to reach 320-325 lakh bales.During his interaction with the press, Thulasidharan noted that allocation of funds for cotton research has been very low over the past decade. “While the government previously prioritised food crops, it is now set to allocate Rs. 2,500 crore for cotton research. There is great potential for India to double its cotton yield. With strong research, technology, and implementation, a yield of 500 lakh bales is not far-fetched for India in the future,” he remarked.Nataraj, in his address, acknowledged that global competition, tariff barriers, and the rise of synthetics remain real challenges. However, he emphasised that the worldwide shift towards sustainability, natural fibres, and traceability presents immense opportunities. “This is where India must lead,” he said.He further added that with its vast cotton production, strong spinning sector, and integrated textile value chain, India is uniquely positioned to strengthen its role in global supply chains. “Today, the world is looking for reliable, sustainable, and responsible sourcing partners. If we continue to improve quality, enhance efficiency, and align with global sustainability standards, Indian cotton and textiles can become the preferred choice for international buyers,” he stated.Nishant Asher said that going forward, the federation will aim to strengthen government interaction and expand its direct engagement with policymakers to ensure Indian cotton gets the support it deserves.read more :- Tamil Nadu may get Rs 100 crore from the central government for cotton production

Tamil Nadu may receive ₹100 crore from the central government to increase cotton productivity.The central government's Cotton Productivity Mission could prove to be a game-changer for Tamil Nadu's textile industry. This initiative aims to double farmers' income and cotton production and modernize ginning units. Tamil Nadu is expected to receive approximately ₹100 crore out of the total allocation of ₹5,900 crore.Industry experts say that if the plan is effectively implemented, Tamil Nadu's dependence on expensive cotton imports will decrease and the state will become more competitive in global markets.According to K. Selvaraju, general secretary of the South India Mills Association, Tamil Nadu's textile mills require approximately 12 million bales of cotton annually, while the state produces only about 500,000 bales. He said that with the right interventions, production could reach 2.5 million bales. The goal should be to reach at least 1.5 million bales by 2030.Selvaraju explained that a key focus of the mission is seed development and agricultural research. Currently, farmers plant 25,000 plants per hectare, but high-density planting technology can increase this number to 60,000. Pilot projects have also been conducted in some areas over the past two years.Currently, Tamil Nadu cultivates approximately 1.75 lakh hectares of cotton, which could be increased to 2 lakh hectares under the mission. The state is one of the few regions where cotton is cultivated in both winter and summer seasons, increasing the potential for extra-long staple cotton.He also stated that labor shortages are a major challenge in cotton cultivation, making mechanization crucial.Another important aspect of the mission is the modernization of ginning machinery. Ginning technology in Tamil Nadu is outdated, and upgrading it will improve both cotton quality and efficiency. (Sampurna Agro)Indian Cotton Federation President J. Thulaseedharan said that research has been receiving very little funding for a long time. He said that significant improvements in Tamil Nadu's productivity are possible if soil- and climate-specific seed varieties, precision farming techniques, and research institutions like the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) in Coimbatore are developed and supported.He also said that as productivity increases, production costs will decrease, MSP pressure will ease, and Indian cotton will become more competitive globally.Currently, cotton is cultivated in the state in areas such as Kumbakonam, Perambalur, Manapparai, Ottanchatram, Vasudevanallur, and Kovilpatti.read more :- Cotton crop damaged in Khammam

Telengana: Khammam cotton farmers suffer crop lossKHAMMAM : Cotton farmers in Khammam are facing heavy crop damage due to incessant rains. Farmers said the crop is wilting as persistent moisture and lack of sunlight have caused flowers to drop, leaves to turn red, and pods to blacken and fall.Fields that should be filled with green plants and white cotton now appear dry and barren. Farmers, already distressed after the green gram crop was destroyed by rains last month, say the cotton they had pinned their hopes on is also drying up.Cotton was cultivated on 2.25 lakh acres in Khammam and 2.40 lakh acres in Bhadradri. With rains continuing for several days, the cotton that has burst needs to be picked, but labourers are not able to enter the muddy fields. Picking has halted, and soaked cotton is turning black and losing market value.Farmers said yields per acre, which earlier stood at 10 quintals, are now down to three or four. “Normally, cotton is picked three to five times, but this year we may manage only one round,” they lamented.read more :- INR Opens Stronger by 04 Paise at 88.67

 Rupee breaks the fall, opens 4 paise up at 88.67 against dollarThe rupee opened at 88.67 against the US dollar after closing at 88.71 in the previous session.

State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2024-25 SeasonThe Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) made no changes in per candy price this week. Following the price revision, CCI sold approximately 22,800 bales during the week, bringing the total cotton bales sales for the 2024-25 season to approximately 88,40,900 bales. This represents around 88.40% of the total cotton procured so far this season.A state-wise breakdown of sales indicates strong activity from Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat, which together account for over 85.33% of the total sales to date.This data underscores CCI’s proactive efforts in stabilizing the cotton market and ensuring steady supply across key cotton-producing states.read more:-  Cotton harvesting in Vidarbha after Diwali

Vidarbha Cotton Harvest Likely After Diwali, Farmers Face Cash CrunchNagpur: Cotton farmers in Vidarbha may have to wait until after Diwali to harvest their first crop this season, raising concerns of a cash crunch during the festive period.According to sources, unfavourable weather conditions have delayed crop development, adding to the challenges already faced by farmers due to falling cotton prices. The situation has been further impacted by policy changes and global market pressures.Vidarbha, particularly the Amravati revenue division, is a key cotton-growing region with over 30 lakh hectares under cultivation. This year, heavy and unseasonal rains have adversely affected the crop, disrupting normal growth patterns.Agriculture department officials said that the first flush of cotton is now expected by mid-October or later, pushing the harvesting timeline to the end of the month or beyond. Continuous wet weather has impacted boll formation, delaying the crop readiness in several areas.“Usually, the first arrival of cotton happens between Dussehra and Diwali, but this year it is likely to come only after the festive season,” officials noted. This delay means many farmers may not be able to generate income from crop sales during Diwali.Experts from the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) highlighted that cotton requires moderate temperatures and dry conditions for proper boll formation. Excess rainfall has hindered this process.However, since cotton is a long-duration crop, there is still some hope for recovery if weather conditions improve. Experts suggest that a shift to drier weather could support better crop development in the later stages.Farmers on the ground are already witnessing the impact. Yavatmal farmer Manohar Jadhav reported poor crop conditions, with plants showing weak growth and minimal boll formation.Vijay Jawandhiya of Shetkari Sanghatana stated that excessive rains have led to stunted crop growth, with plants growing taller but producing fewer bolls.Overall, the delay in harvesting is expected to put financial pressure on farmers during the festive season, while the final output will depend largely on upcoming weather conditions.read more :- CCI Sells 88.4% of Cotton Procurement via E-Bidding, 22,800 Bales Weekly

The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)  Sells  88.40% of 2024–25 Cotton Procurement via E-Bidding, Logs Weekly Sales of 22,800 Bales.Throughout the week from 22 to 26 September 2025, CCI conducted online auctions across its Mills and Traders sessions, with total sales reaching approximately 22,800 bales. Importantly, cotton prices remained unchanged during this period, ensuring stability in the market.Weekly Sales Performance22 September 2025: CCI sold 2,100 bales, including 1,400 bales in the Mills session and 700 bales in the Traders session.23 September 2025: The week’s highest sales volume was recorded at 9,400 bales, with Mills buying 5,000 bales and Traders securing 4,400 bales.24 September 2025: Sales surged to 4,400 bales, with Mills purchasing 2,400 bales and Traders accounting for 2000 bales.25 September 2025: Total 1,200 bales sold, including 200 bales to Mills and 1,000 bales to Traders.26 September 2025: The week concluded with the sales of 5,700 bales, split between 3,300 bales for Mills and 2,400 bales for Traders.CCI achieved total sales of approximately 22,800 bales for the week and for the season CCI’s cumulative sales have reached 88,40,900 bales, representing 88.40% of its total procurement for 2024–25.

The Indian rupee ended 01 paisa higher on friday at 88.71 to the dollar, while it opened at 88.72 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was down 733.22 points or 0.90 percent at 80,426.46, and the Nifty was down 236.15 points or 0.95 percent at 24,654.70. About 912 shares advanced, 2828 shares declined, and 106 shares unchanged.read more :- Kharif crop crisis due to excessive rain

Excessive rains have impacted standing crops, threatening Kharif production.Excessive rains in the western and eastern parts of the country since mid-August have significantly damaged standing crops in many areas, and the record Kharif crop estimates for 2025-26 may need to be significantly cut. Due to cracks in fields in many areas, harvesting of Kharif crops has slowed, and Rabi sowing may be delayed.Although no accurate estimates of crop losses have yet been made, the damage has been most severe in Maharashtra, where nearly half of the cropped area has been affected by floods. Sources in the farming and trading communities in various regions indicate that production of paddy, soybean, pigeon pea, black gram, sugarcane, millet, and cotton may be affected.Furthermore, there are concerns of more rain in the coming days, with the Meteorological Department predicting heavy rains in Central Maharashtra, Marathwada, Telangana, and coastal Andhra Pradesh until September 30. A new low-pressure area is expected to form over the northern and adjoining central Bay of Bengal on Thursday.# Maharashtra and other states most affectedExcessive rainfall over the past week in Maharashtra's Marathwada and Vidarbha regions has affected crops on more than 7 million hectares of the state's total 14.4 million hectares of cultivated area. State Agriculture Minister Dattatreya Bharane said on Wednesday that crops in about 30 of the 36 districts affected by this month's rains have been affected, with significant damage. He said, "Crop damage surveys are underway on a war footing with the assistance of the revenue and agriculture departments."This comes as excessive rainfall severely impacted crops in Punjab and Rajasthan. Some crops in Karnataka have also been affected. If the rains continue, further problems will arise for crops.read more :- India to buy record cotton at weak prices

India set for record cotton procurement as prices stay weak India is gearing up for record cotton procurement from farmers for the second consecutive year. The government’s nodal agency, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), has procured 100 lakh bales of 170 kg during the current marketing season, which ends on September 30. Lower cotton prices in both domestic and global markets are expected to drive farmers to CCI procurement centres to secure better returns through the higher minimum support price (MSP) guaranteed by the government.Although cotton acreage in the country has declined for the 2025–26 season, other factors are likely to push government procurement even higher. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, cotton acreage stood at 109.90 lakh hectares as of last Friday, down from 112.76 lakh hectares a year ago. Sowing has been completed, so this is the final acreage figure. The area was 123.71 lakh hectares in 2023–24 and averaged 129.50 lakh hectares over the past five years.CCI is preparing to launch its annual procurement operations for seed cotton (kapas) under the MSP scheme for the 2025–26 season. The Ministry of Textiles confirmed that procurement will roll out in a phased manner beginning in October.The first phase will start on October 1 in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh, where the harvest typically begins earliest. Procurement centres in these states are already being readied. In Punjab, some farmers have even started bringing cotton to mandis, and private trade is underway ahead of the official procurement schedule.Central states—Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat—will follow next, with operations expected to begin on October 15, coinciding with peak arrivals. These three states account for the largest share of India’s cotton acreage, and CCI has announced that an extensive network of procurement centres will be set up to ensure MSP coverage. The final phase will cover the southern states—Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu—where procurement is likely to begin around October 21.Officials from the Ministry of Textiles emphasised that procurement will be undertaken without any quantitative ceiling—CCI will buy as much kapas as farmers bring, provided market prices remain below MSP. If prices stay higher, the agency will restrict itself to commercial purchases.Record procurement is expected once again in the upcoming season. New arrivals in northern states have already pushed prices down by around 5–6 per cent over the past two weeks, with arrivals starting mid-September.Market sources noted that the government has allowed duty-free cotton imports until the end of December 2025. CCI and traders, however, are struggling to offload last season’s cotton due to large carryover stocks. Market estimates suggest that 62–65 lakh bales will remain as closing stock this season, most of which are with CCI. Clearing this inventory is necessary to free up warehouse space for the new crop.Traders believe there is little chance of price stability given sluggish consumption, especially after the imposition of 50 per cent US tariffs. Lower cotton prices in the open market are expected to force farmers to sell to CCI. The government has fixed the MSP for seed cotton (kapas) at ₹7,710 (Approx. $86.94) per quintal for 2025–26, up 8.27 per cent from last year’s MSP. Meanwhile, seed cotton is currently trading at ₹6,000–7,000 (Approx. $67.66-78.94) per quintal in north Indian markets as CCI’s purchase operations are yet to begin.read more :- Major cotton producing states of India

Maharashtra, Gujarat and more: Top cotton producing states in IndiaBased on provisional estimates for the 2024-25 cotton season from the Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption, India’s total cotton production stands at 294.25 lakh bales. Here’s a detailed look at the top five cotton-producing states:India continues to be the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of cotton, contributing nearly 24% of global cotton output, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Despite having the largest cotton acreage globally, India ranks 36th in productivity.The country cultivates all four major cotton species, G. Arboreum, G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton), and G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton) – across the Northern, Central, and Southern zones.Based on provisional estimates for the 2024-25 cotton season from the Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption, India’s total cotton production stands at 294.25 lakh bales. Here’s a detailed look at the top five cotton-producing states:1. Maharashtra – India’s Cotton PowerhouseMaharashtra leads with 89.09 lakh bales, up from 80.45 lakh bales last season (2023-24). With 40.86 lakh hectares under cultivation and a yield of 370.66 kg/ha, the state remains a key driver of India’s cotton industry.2. Gujarat – High Productivity HubGujarat follows with 71.34 lakh bales, slightly lower than 90.57 lakh bales last season. Its 23.92 lakh hectares deliver an impressive yield of 507.02 kg/ha, making the state one of the most productive cotton regions in India.3. Rajasthan – Strong Yield PerformerRajasthan recorded 18.45 lakh bales in 2024-25, down from 26.22 lakh bales the previous year. However, its yield of 500.24 kg/ha across 6.27 lakh hectares reflects strong efficiency and adoption of modern cotton farming practices. 4. Telangana – Steady Southern ContributorTelangana contributes 49.86 lakh bales, nearly unchanged from last season. Spread over 18.11 lakh hectares, the state maintains a healthy yield of 468.04 kg/ha, supporting the Southern cotton belt’s consistent output.5. Madhya Pradesh – Reliable Central Zone PlayerMadhya Pradesh rounds off the top five with 15.35 lakh bales grown over 5.37 lakh hectares, achieving a yield of 425.98 kg/ha. This ensures the Central Zone continues to play a vital role in India’s overall cotton production. India’s cotton sector remains a cornerstone of the global textile industry. While Maharashtra leads in total output, Gujarat and Rajasthan showcase high productivity per hectare. Continuous improvements in yield and farming practices are expected to strengthen India’s position as a global cotton leader in the coming years.