CAI, which released its November estimate of the cotton crop for the season 2018-19, beginning from October 1, 2018 has estimated cotton crop for the 2018-19 season at 340.25 lakh bales (of 170 kg each). This is lower by 3 lakh bales than its previous estimate of 343.25 lakh bales made during last month.

The CAI has projected a total cotton supply during the months of October and November at 95 lakh bales, which consists of arrivals of 70 lakh bales upto November 30, 2018. Imports are around 2 lakh bales upto November 30 and the opening stock at the beginning of the season has been put at 23 lakh bales.

The estimate of cotton consumption during the months of October and November is 54 lakh bales while the export shipment of cotton upto November 30 has been estimated at 10 lakh bales. The stock at the end of November is estimated at 31 lakh bales, including 27 lakh bales with textile mills and the remaining 4 lakh bales are estimated to be held by CCI and others.

The projected annual balance sheet for the season 2018-19 drawn by the CAI has estimated total cotton supply, till end of the season upto September 30, 2019, at 390.25 lakh bales.