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Cotton Crop Upgraded: Maharashtra Leads Surge
11 Apr
Summary
- Cotton crop estimate for 2025-26 revised up to 324 lakh bales.
- Maharashtra's production significantly increased, offsetting other states.
- Cotton prices surged past ₹60,000 per candy, driven by strong demand.

The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has marginally increased its cotton crop estimate for the 2025-26 season to 324 lakh bales of 170 kg each. This revised figure is up from previous projections of 320.50 lakh bales and significantly higher than the 312.40 lakh bales estimated for the 2024-25 season.
The upward adjustment of 3.5 lakh bales is primarily attributed to higher production in Maharashtra, which saw its estimate revised up by 7 lakh bales to 105 lakh bales. This increase compensated for declines in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, where crop estimates were reduced by 3 lakh bales and 0.5 lakh bales respectively.
In parallel, cotton prices have experienced a notable surge, crossing the ₹60,000-mark per candy (356 kg) for the first time this season. This price increase is fueled by strong domestic demand and a rise in global cotton futures. The Cotton Corporation of India has responded by increasing its purchase prices, reflecting the firm market sentiment.