Cotton output estimated at 362 lakh bales for 2015-16 season: CAI

The total cotton output in the country is estimated to be 362 lakh bales for the 2015-16 season, which began on October 1, as per data compiled by the Cotton Association of India (CAI). This estimate is 8.50 lakh bales lower than the October estimate of 370.50 lakh bales. The total output for the cotton season 2014-15 stood at 382.75 lakh bales.

The industry body has also estimated reduction in the production as well as consumption of cotton in the country during the cotton season 2015-16. The decline in consumption is expected to offset the decrease in cotton production to some extent.

The cause of concern for crop damage in the northern region this year is due to the whitefly attack. The total crop estimated in the northern zone during the season 2015-16 is 43 lakh bales, down from 53.50 lakh bales last year.