The production estimate for cotton crop for 2021-22 has been reduced by 2.33 per cent to 335.13 lakh bales from October 1, 2021 to March 2022, say the Cotton Association of India. Total cotton supply during the period is estimated to be 343.68 lakh bales. This includes arrivals of 262.68 lakh bales, imports of 6 lakh bales and the opening stock estimated by the CAI at 75 lakh bales at the beginning of the season.

Cotton consumption during the period is estimated at 175 lakh bales while the export shipments upto March 31, 2022 are estimated by the CAI at 35 lakh bales. Cotton stock at the end of March 2022 is estimated at 133.68 lakh bales including 75 lakh bales with textile mills and the remaining 58.68 lakh bales with the CCI Maharashtra Federation and others including the stocks held by MNCs, traders, ginners, MCX, and the cotton sold but not delivered.

The CAI Crop Committee has estimated the total cotton supply till end of the cotton season 2021-22 to decline by 8 lakh bales to at 425.13 lakh bales compared to 433.13 lakh bales estimated by the CAI previously. CAI estimates, the domestic consumption will remain unchanged at 340 lakh bales, while the exports for the season have been estimated at 45 lakh bales.