INDIAN COTTON INDUSTRY AT A GLANCE IN 2017 - 2018 Cotton Production in 2017
The production of cotton in increased by 9.3 per cent year-on-year to reach 37.7 million bales in
FY 2017-18. The total area under cultivation of cotton in India increased by 7 per cent to 11.3
million hectares in 2017-18, on account of expectations of better returns from rising prices and
improved crop yields during the year 2016-17
India’s cotton output in the season starting October 2017 increased by 10-15 per cent on rise in
acreage across the country. Besides, a favourable monsoon in most parts of key growing states
such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, and in North India, is aiding the output.
The cotton trade estimates the output to be higher, by 10-15 per cent, for 2017-18 over last year’s
output of 337.25 lakh bales of 170 kg each.
The area under cotton cultivation in India this year may shrink by
10-15% as farmers are expected to shift to other crops due to pest attacks.
Exports
Cotton exports from the country touched seven million bales this marketing year started October
2017, up about 27% from the earlier estimate, due to a surge in demand, particularly from China.
