Cotton production expected to fall by 10 to 15 per cent due to heavy rains in Gujarat

Gujarat's severe rains are predicted to cause a 10% to 15% decrease in cotton yield

The incessant rains in Gujarat have caused deep concern among farmers. While the reservoirs are filled with sufficient water, the crops sown in the fields are getting damaged due to the overflowing water. According to the estimates of the Cotton Association of India (CAI) and farmers, cotton production in Gujarat is likely to fall by 10-15 per cent this year due to low sowing and crop damage due to rain. Farmers say that the rains in June and July have caused the most damage.

According to the data of the Gujarat Agriculture Department, till September 2, cotton cultivation in the state has declined by 12% to 23.62 lakh hectares compared to 26.79 lakh hectares last year. According to the CAI, cotton production in Gujarat is estimated to be 92 lakh bales in 2023-24, but due to rains, production is likely to decrease further this year.

Cotton traders say that the season's stock in Gujarat is almost about to end, which is also leading to a decline in rupee income. Despite the low income of cotton in the last 15 days, the price of rupee has increased by about 200 to 2,000 rupees. Now the price of cotton per khanddi (356 kg) has increased from Rs 57,500 to Rs 59,500. The daily cotton income of the state is 1,500 to 1,700 bales, while across the country it is 5,000 to 6,000 bales.

According to the CAI president, cotton was planted in about 10 lakh hectares in June. The crop condition was better in early August, but due to heavy rains after August 15, cotton producing areas have suffered losses of 15-25%. However, the plants planted in July-August suffered less damage as they were smaller. If there is more heavy rain now, the situation may worsen.

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