Indian Cotton Federation, formerly the South India Cotton Association (SICA), has estimated India’s cotton production for the ongoing cotton season 2013-14 at 36.1 million bales of 170 kg each.

 

In a press release, Federation president J Thulasidharan said cotton crop has been delayed by about four weeks time this season, but the quality of the crop is good.

 

He said although arrivals are restricted at present, they are likely to pick up after January 15, and prices might ease thereafter.

 

Out of the estimated cotton production of 36.1 million bales, the state of Gujarat is likely to contribute 12.5 million bales, followed by 7 million bales by the state of Maharashtra, 6.5 million bales by Andhra Pradesh, and about 5.5 million bales by the three North Indian states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, the Federation said.

 

Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka are likely to produce 1.8 million bales each, while Tamil Nadu is expected to produce 0.5 million bales of cotton, the statement said.