Cotton output in India is expected to increase 7 percent year-on-year and reach 38.1 million bales of 170 kg each, in the 2013-14 harvest period, which began from October, due to increased yields owing to better rains in the monsoon season.



According to the Cotton Association of India (CAI), even though late rains have delayed arrivals of cotton, the available moisture is likely to help increase yields, reports Hindu Business Line quoting PTI.



If the monsoon withdraws during the coming days, a better quality crop can be expected in during the 2013-14 harvest period, CAI said.



According to the CAI, the output is expected to be good especially in the central region comprising of the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, at 207.50 bales compared to the 173.75 bales obtained last year from these states.



The CAI expects cotton exports from India may remain similar to last year, and the association has already contracted to export 1.5 million bales of the new crop. The CAI had placed the estimates of cotton crop for 2012-13 season at 35.6 million bales.



Indian cotton production influences the global cotton market and cotton prices, as India is the world’s second-largest producer and exporter of cotton.