Despite marginal decrease in total area under cotton cultivation across the country, cotton crop may cross 330 lakh bales (each of 170 kg) for the new season 2008-09, thanks to rise in yield per hectare in the major cotton producing states due to increased coverage of Bt cotton, according to trade sources.
The average yield is expected to rise from 560.40 kg per hectare to 606 kg per hectare in the season 2008-09 as more than 80% area is under Bt cottonseed as against 65% in 2007-08.
?If the weather continues to remain favourable for cotton crop, it may even cross 332 lakh bales in 2008-2009. Overall, the productivity is also likely to increase by 8%,? I J Dhuria, Vadhman Group said.
?Continuing its upward journey, Indian cotton in sixth consecutive year is going to set new record by producing all time high 332 lakh bales in 2008-2009, up 5% over previous year. Interestingly, this is despite the fact that there appears to be a marginal drop of 2.5% in cotton acreage in coming season,? he said.
Gujarat state will continue to lead with expectation of around 113 lakh bales, followed by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh (AP) with 64 lakh bales and 60 lakh bales.
The supply situation is likely to improve by 9 lakh bales, from 369 lakh bales to 378 lakh bales, with the increase in production as well as reduction in imports in the new season. However, total off-take is likely to reduce to 305 lakh bales from 326 lakh bales as in coming seasons exports are likely to be less by 20 lakh bales, whereas consumption is likely to decrease marginally.
As productivity is concerned, Gujarat will continue to rule the roost with expected yield of 800 kg lint per hectare, which will enable it to be the only state in the country whose yield would ever cross the world cotton average yield. Second and third place are likely to be grabbed by AP and Punjab respectively with expected yield of 791 kg and 703 kg lint per hectare.