Despite marginal dip in acreage this Kharif season, cotton traders in the state are hopeful of higher cotton output in 2008-09. Cotton production in Gujarat may increase to 1.20 crore bales (1 bale =170 kg) this season as against 1.10 crore bales in 2007-08.
The monsoon pattern this year has been favourable for cotton crop. Apart from this, cotton crop largely remained unaffected by the recent spell of heavy rains in the state last week.
“Cotton acreage in Saurasthra region is around 16 lakh hectares and heavy rains could damage only 2 to 3 per cent of acreage in this region. Unlike last year, cotton yield is likely to improve on the back of favourable weather conditions,” said Arun Dalal, owner of Arun Dalal & Co, one of the leading Ahmedabad-based cotton trading firms.
“Cotton production in the state may increase to 1.20 crore bales as against the 1.10 crore bales last year. Nationally, I believe the output may range between 3.35 to 3.40 crore bales,” he added.
Area under cotton cultivation in 2007-08 stood at 25 lakh hectares, which has dipped marginally to 24.11 lakh hectares in 2008-09. However, cotton acreage has been higher as compared to average area under cotton crop in Gujarat. The average cotton acreage in the state is pegged at 22.68 lakh hectares.
“Favourable weather condition at present and fantastic monsoon pattern is likely result into higher yield. Cotton output is likely to be around 1.15 crore bales in 2008-09,” said Kishor Shah, president, South Gujarat Cotton Dealers Association (SGCDA).
It may be mentioned here that though the cotton acreage in Gujarat had increased in 2007-08, the yield was not as impressive as it should have been.
Meanwhile, prices of Sankar-6 cotton, a long staple Bt cotton variety, have eased to Rs. 27,000 per candy in the wake of new cotton arrivals in the market.
