The global cotton production and consumption figures will continue to rise to a further 2.0 million tonnes by the end of the 2013-14 season in major cultivation countries.

World cotton production in 2013-14 season is projected at 25.5 million tonnes and world cotton mill use is expected to remain around 23.5 million tonnes with the consumption shifting from China to India, Pakistan and Turkey.

Pakistan is likely to produce around 14 million bales during crop season 2013-14, which would terminate around May-June 2014.

Better seed supply, weather conditions and incentives to farmers in terms of premium money would further strengthen the production level, said members of Sindh Agriculture Forum.

The single largest adjustment was for India, which saw a significant increase in projected output, to reflect persisting optimism regarding a bumper crop. Cotlook’s forecast was raised to a record 37.5 million bales (170 kgs).

The fibre experts revised figure above the Cotton Association of India’s (CAI) latest estimate of 37.5 million bales (170 kgs), but below some of the more optimistic private estimates.

The cotton belt in Pakistan and India has received good rainfall from this year’s monsoon, raising hopes of increased yields, especially in primary producing areas Rahim Yar Khan, Sanghar and major areas in Sindh and Punjab while in India Gujarat would show a marked improvement for the current season. Planting in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and some late planting in Rajasthan would cast positive effect on production.

Drought has limited production in West Texas USA, the most important cultivating region and excess moisture hindered prospects in the Southeast. Cotton Outlook’s number showed a reduction by over 100,000 tonnes and a downward adjustment in USDA’s September report.

However weather improved in the second half and precipitation gave a boost to fields in West Texas. Clearer weather in the Southeast will help to improve cotton conditions.

World cotton trade is projected at 8.5 million tonnes during 2013-14, approximately 1.0 million tonne less than the last season, largely accounted for by a decrease in imports by China.

World cotton ending stocks for 2013-14 are forecast at 20.4 million tonnes, an increase of 2.0 million tonnes from the previous season.

In September the Chinese government started buying cotton for its national reserve, amounting to just over 100,000 tonnes at the end of September.

China will hold nearly 60 percent of the world stocks. Purchases by the state reserve of cotton from the 2013-14 crop commenced in September and some practical details of the new season’s procurement policy are still awaited.