Low Cotton Arrivals in Markets; Prices Rise

Ahmedabad. Harvesting and processing of the new cotton crop have commenced across various producing states, yet the pace of arrivals in the markets remains sluggish. In the first nine days of October, the national supply totaled approximately 5 lakh (500,000) bales of cotton. It is worth noting that each cotton bale weighs 170 kg.

According to available data, arrivals across major markets nationwide totaled approximately 78,000 bales on October 12. Specifically, arrivals were recorded as follows: 17,000 bales in northern states (Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan), 16,000 in Andhra Pradesh, 15,000 in Gujarat, 9,000 in Karnataka, 8,000 in Andhra Pradesh, 7,000 in Maharashtra, and 6,000 in Telangana.

Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana are the country's three leading cotton-producing states. Compared to last year, the area under cotton cultivation has increased in Gujarat and Telangana but decreased in Maharashtra. Sowing acreage has also declined in the northern states.

According to a leading analyst, farmers are in no rush to sell their cotton due to concerns over potential production shortfalls and expectations of rising prices. Although the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton has been set at approximately ₹8,600 per quintal this season, producers are reluctant to sell at this rate. In Gujarat, the price of Shankar-6 cotton rose from ₹64,000 per candy (356 kg) on ​​September 30 to ₹68,000 per candy on October 12.