According to the Cotton Advisory Board, the Indian import of cotton in the 2018-2019 cotton season is expected to be 22 lakh bales, almost seven lakh bales higher compared with the previous season. The board estimated the (provisional) cotton production this season, from October 2018 to September 2019, is expected to be 337 lakh bales of 170 kg each.

Cotton consumption during the current season is expected to be lower at 361.5 lakh bales as against 386.65 lakh bales last season. Exports are expected to be just 50 lakh bales though the board earlier estimated it to be 65 lakh bales. Consumption of cotton by the domestic textile mills has dropped as yarn production has reduced.

Prices of cotton in the domestic market have remained largely stable though it is higher than international prices, and the season is likely to end with adequate closing stock (neraly 40 lakh bales). If all the cotton- growing areas are covered by the monsoon rains by the first week of July, production next year will be good.