Cotton production in India expected to decline significantly

Cotton production for the season ending in September 2025 is projected to reach 295 lakh bales. This is a decrease from last year's total of 325 lakh bales. The Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption discussed these findings in a meeting on Monday. Imports of cotton this season are expected to be 25 lakh bales. This is an increase from the previous season's 16 lakh bales. Meanwhile, exports are projected to be 18 lakh bales. The domestic textile industry is anticipated to consume 302 lakh bales of cotton, which is about seven lakh bales less than last year's consumption. The cotton stock at the end of the season is expected to be 30 lakh bales. This is a significant drop from 62 lakh bales for 2022-2023 and 47 lakh bales for 2023-2024. Demand for yarn is currently growing as textile and clothing exports have increased. SK Sundararaman, chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association, suggested that the government should remove import duties on cotton. He believes this would help ensure textile mills have enough cotton supply from August to November this year.