India's cotton output for 2024-25 to match last year despite a drop in acreage

India’s cotton production for the 2024-25 season is expected to match last year’s 325.22 lakh bales, despite an 11 lakh hectare reduction in cotton acreage. Experts attribute the stable outlook to timely rainfall and higher yields, driven by reduced pest pressure.

The area under cotton cultivation has shrunk to 112.76 lakh hectares from last year’s 123.71 lakh hectares. However, YG Prasad, Director of ICAR-Central Institute of Cotton Research says the crop is in better condition than the previous year.

Pest attacks, particularly from pink bollworm, have been less severe, especially in the North, boosting cottonseed quality. In the Central and Southern regions, while the pest remains under control, concerns over root rot persist.

Industry experts anticipate higher yields. Traders like Anand Poppat estimate the crop could reach around 361 lakh bales, while Pradeep Jain from Khandesh expects better quality and yields than last year.