Cotton production for the cotton year 2001-02 (September-October) is likely to increase by 25 per cent to 150 lakh bales (170 kg each ), according to the trade estimates arrived at the All India Cotton Trade Association Conference, organised by the East India Cotton Association.
The total area under cultivation has gone up marginally from 85.76 lakh hectares in 2000-01 to 88.51 lakh hectares this year. The average yield per hectare has also gone up marginally from 278 kg to 303 kg. Maximum production came from the central zone with production of 86.75 lakh bales, which includes production from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Production from the north zone is expected to be 20 lakh bales, down from previous year