India poised to take second position in cotton production
Production of cotton in India is poised to touch 250 lakh bales in near future, making India 2nd largest producer of cotton in the world, next to China.
From about 300 kg per hectare three years ago, cotton lint productivity has gone up to 450 kg/ha currently. Though world average at 740 kg/ha is much higher, the trend is extremely healthy.
For 2004-05, the size of cotton crop is estimated to be 240 lakh bales, significantly up from previous year's figure of 177 lakh bales. With an opening stock of 21 lakh bales and import of 7 lakh bales, total availability is placed at 268 lakh bales. Mill consumption is higher this year at 160 lakh bales and exports are an estimated 11 lakh bales. After taking into account consumption by SSI units (17 lakh bales) and non-mill use (13 lakh bales), the closing stock for the year is estimated at a new high of 67 lakh bales.
June 26' 2005
