The total availability of cotton in India during the current season is estimated at 441.81 lakh bales (of 170 kg each), minister of state for textiles Ajay Tamta has informed parliament. This includes the opening stock of 47.81 lakh bales plus production of 377 lakh bales and 17 lakh imported bales. The total domestic consumption is around 334 lakh bales.
Following the rise in production, cotton export is estimated to increase by 15 per cent to 67 lakh bales in the 2017-18 marketing year, which started in October, a news agency reported citing an assessment by the Cotton Advisory Board. (DS)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India