Cotton production in the 2013-14 season, which starts next month, is likely to be one of the highest with the trade and industry expecting the output to be more than 350 lakh bales.

At its meeting in April this year, the Cotton Advisory Board estimated cotton production in 2012-13 (October-September) to be 340 lakh bales.

For the 2013-14 season, the Cotton Association of India has estimated the production at 375 lakh bales. Its president Dhiren N. Sheth has said in a release that this is its second estimate for the 2013-14 season. Crop conditions have improved since last month, and, hence, it is expecting a higher crop.

The Southern India Mills’ Association expects production to be 360 lakh bales.

According to the Indian Cotton Federation, production in 2013-14 is likely to be 370 lakh bales. Though the area under cotton has not increased much, good rains are expected to increase the yield. Its vice-president K. N. Viswanathan said that the crop was good in Gujarat. “Hence, we are expecting higher yield in Gujarat. Production in the State might by 120 lakh bales,” he said. At present, the demand for cotton from textile mills was limited and the export market was also dull, he said.