Reduced acreages, excess rains and cyclone Montha have impacted India’s cotton output for 2025-26, which is seen down two per cent at 305 lakh bales of 170 kg each over last year’s 312 lakh bales, according to the trade body Cotton Association of India (CAI).
The imports of the fibre crop, which are currently duty-free till the year-end, will be at a record 45 lakh bales as mills have contracted a large quantity for the 2025-26 season, taking advantage of the duty structure.
Atul S. Ganatra, President, CAI, said the trade body has estimated a 2 per cent decline in crop size for the year 2025-26 starting October, based on the inputs received from various state associations. The acreages were down by around 2.6 per cent this year at 110 lakh ha this kharif.
