Cotton output to rise on acreage

India's cotton output is seen higher at about 28 million bales (1 bale is around 170 kg) in the crop year 2007-08 (Oct-Sep) from 27.3 million bales a year ago on a nearly five per cent year-on-year higher acreage, traders and brokers said.

The acreage in 2006-07 is 9.158 million hectares. "The cotton crop is expected to be bumper in 2007-08 on improved seed availability, agricultural know-how and farmers' willingness to cultivate on a larger area," said Kishore Jhunjhunwala, president, East India Cotton Association (EICA).

Though the higher crop is projected on expectations of higher acreage, a broker said smooth availability of certified seeds, particularly Bt varieties, was a must. "Our production can go up by six per cent in 2007-08 to 28 million bales provided the government and other agencies assure adequate, smooth and low-priced supply of Bt 151 variety seeds," said Chandulaal Thakker at the brokerage Perfect Cotton Co.

For the 2007-08 crop year, Bt 151, which is the most popular variety, is estimated to be cultivated on 5.5 million hectares, compared with 3.8 million a year ago. "This can result in over 100 per cent increase in the current yield of about 350 kg per hectare on 1.7 million hectares that is being brought under Bt 151 sowing," he said.