CAI Sets Cotton Production Estimate at 317 Lakh Bales
15-Jan-2026 04:16 PM
Mumbai. The Cotton Association of India (CAI), a leading trade body, has increased its estimate for domestic cotton production for the current marketing season (October-September) of 2025-26 by 7.50 lakh bales, setting it at 317 lakh bales (each bale weighing 170 kg). The association had previously estimated production at 309.50 lakh bales.
It is noteworthy that the CAI releases monthly data on cotton production, consumption, and stocks based on inputs received from its provincial-level member associations and organizations operating in the country's 11 top cotton-producing states.
This provides the industry and trade sector with comprehensive information, enabling them to formulate their strategies accordingly.
According to the association, during the current 2025-26 marketing season, cotton production is estimated at 30.50 lakh bales in the northern region (Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan), 187 lakh bales in the central region (Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh),
and 94 lakh bales in the southern region (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu). Additionally, 3.50 lakh bales are expected to be produced in Odisha and 2 lakh bales in other states of the country.
The association has projected the total domestic availability of cotton in the 2025-26 marketing season to reach 427.60 lakh bales, which is 35 lakh bales more than the 392.60 lakh bales available in the 2024-25 season.
According to the association, 41 lakh bales of cotton were imported into the country during the 2024-25 season, which is expected to increase by 9 lakh bales to 50 lakh bales in 2025-26. Furthermore, domestic consumption of cotton is expected to be 305 lakh bales.
Cotton exports are estimated to increase by 300,000 bales from the previous season, reaching 1.5 million bales in the current season, and the total surplus stock of cotton at the end of the current marketing season is expected to reach 10.8 million bales.
According to the association, the government has reimposed an 11 percent customs duty on cotton imports, but this is not expected to have a significant impact. Cotton prices are currently soft in the global market, and India needs high-quality cotton.