The textile industry has asked the government to defer raw cotton exports till January 2011 to ensure availability for the domestic market, following reports of less than adequate carry-over stock in 2010-11.
The demand comes at a time when estimates suggest that cotton production will be 10.17 per cent higher at 32.5 million bales, while domestic demand is pegged at 26.6 million bales. A group of ministers is expected to meet this week to decide on cotton export.