The cotton output estimate has been revised lower to 341 lakh bales (each of 170 kg) for the year 2016-17 as against the earlier estimate of 346 lakh bales, projected in October. The production has been revised downward in its mid-season estimates by the apex cotton trade body, Cotton Association of India (CAI) on account of holding back of seed cotton by farmers.
Announcing its December 2016 estimate of the cotton crop for the 2016-17 season (beginning from October 1, 2016), CAI projected total cotton supply of 404 lakh bales, with domestic consumption at 290 lakh bales, thereby leaving an available surplus of 114 lakh bales.
The CAI estimates cotton imports of about 18 lakh bales for the year 2016-17, which is about 4 lakh bales lower than 2015-16.