The production of cotton in the country is estimated to be 353 lakh bales for the 2015-16 season, which began on October 1, as per data compiled by industry body Cotton Association of India (CAI). The total output for the 2014-15 crop year stood at 382.75 lakh bales.
The total crop estimated in the northern zone during the season 2015-16, is 42.25 lakh bales, down from 53.50 lakh bales last year. The crop damage in the northern region due to the white-fly attack this year remains a cause of concern.
The projected balance sheet drawn by the CAI estimated total cotton supply for the season 2015-16, at 440.60 lakh bales while the domestic consumption is estimated at 315 lakh bales, thus leaving an available surplus of 125.60 lakh bales.