Cotton output set to rise with increased sowing globally

Mills in India caught on wrong footing as prices remained elevated, imports also rising

Farmers are likely to increase acreage under cotton, resulting in higher output going forward, as the crop has been able to fetch relatively higher prices in 2016-17 and is expected to sustain remuneration levels in the current fiscal.

However the demand for cotton, especially by mills, is also rising and is likely to result in a consistent fall in year-end stocks of cotton, according to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

The total area under cotton globally will rise by five per cent to 30.8 million hectares in 2017-18 cotton year (July-June). However, ICAC says,"India's cotton area is