The Hindu Business Line : Cotton output estimate unchanged at 213 l bales

The CAB, in its meeting on September 21, made an initial estimate of 213 lakh bales (of 170 kg) for the new season 2004-2005, up by nearly 12 per cent over the previous season's figure of 177 lakh bales.

"Because of increase in acreage in some States, overall cotton crop conditions are good especially in Punjab, Haryana and Karnataka. Total crop acreage estimate has been pruned marginally to 89.69 lakh hectares from initial estimate of 90.86 lakh hectares," Mr Subodh Kumar, Textiles Commissioner, told presspersons.

"Acreage in Punjab and Haryana is expected to be higher by 10 and 20 per cent at 5.49 lakh hectares and 6.26 lakh hectares, respectively while acreage in Karnataka is estimated to increase by 40 per cent at 5.53 lakh hectares over previous season," he said.

"Because of lower cotton prices compared to polyester, mill consumption for the current season may increase. Also, some capacities are expected to increase. So far, export deals of 65,000 bales have been contracted. Export estimate this season is placed at 12 lakh bales," Mr Kumar said.

For 2003-04, the total acreage was 77.85 lakh hectares.

The crop estimates for 2004-05 were decreased to 55 lakh bales from the initial estimates of 62 lakh bales for Gujarat.

According to the State-wise production estimated by CAB, Punjab is likely to harvest 15 lakh bales, Haryana 16.50 lakh bales, Rajasthan 8 lakh bales, Gujarat 55 lakh bales, Maharashtra 40 lakh bales, Madhya Pradesh 19 lakh bales, Andhra Pradesh 33 lakh bales, Karnataka 8 lakh bales, Tamil Nadu 5 lakh bales and others at 1 lakh bale.

CAB's estimate for 2004-05 has opened with a carryover stock of 21 lakh bales. With production at 213 lakh bales and imports estimated at 5 lakh bales, the availability will be 239 lakh bales.

On the demand side, mill consumption is seen at 165 lakh bales, consumption by SSI units at 15 lakh bales, non-mill consumption at 13 lakh bales and exports at 12 lakh bales, bringing the total demand to 205 lakh bales.