CAI forecasts 7% decline in India’s 2024-25 cotton crop

The Cotton Association of India (CAI) predicts a 7 per cent drop in India’s 2024-25 cotton crop to 302.25 lakh bales (of 170 kg each), down from 325.29 lakh bales last year. The decline is due to reduced acreages and adverse weather, particularly in key producing regions like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, where farmers shifted to other crops.

CAI estimates consumption will remain stable at 313 lakh bales, while exports are expected to fall 37 per cent to 18 lakh bales due to lower availability. Imports, however, are projected to rise by 43 per cent to 25 lakh bales.

The North and Central zones will see the maximum production drop of 9.62 lakh and 11.05 lakh bales, respectively. Total cotton supply for the season, including imports and opening stocks, is pegged at 357.44 lakh bales. Closing stocks are expected to drop to 26.44 lakh bales.

India’s highest yield in the past five years was 2.67 bales per hectare in 2019-20, while the lowest was 2.42 bales per hectare in 2021-22. The average yield for 2024-25 is projected at 2.55 bales per hectare, translating to an average production of 288 lakh bales.