Cotton Sowing Commences in South India Amid Rising Cottonseed Prices
Cotton sowing for the kharif 2024 season has commenced in South India, driven by the advancing monsoon. Farmers in Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are beginning to plant cotton as these regions start receiving monsoon rains. Despite the challenges, the trend in cottonseed prices is firm, supporting the prices of natural fibre. This report analyses the current situation, highlighting key factors and market expectations.
However, the acreage is likely to drop by about a fourth. This decline is attributed to increased pest infestations in recent years and rising labour costs. These inhibiting factors have made cotton cultivation less attractive in this region.
The commencement of cotton sowing in South India, driven by the advancing monsoon, has set a positive tone for the Kharif 2024 season. Favourable weather conditions and strong cottonseed prices are encouraging farmers to increase cotton acreage, particularly in Telangana. However, challenges remain in North India due to pest infestations and high labour costs. Despite these challenges, the firm prices of raw cotton and cotton seeds suggest a stable market outlook.
Monsoon Influence and Cotton Acreage
The onset of the monsoon in the last week of May has progressed, covering most of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and significant parts of Telangana and Maharashtra. This has created favourable conditions for cotton sowing in these regions. There is an expectation of increased cotton acreage in Telangana. Many chilli farmers are likely to switch to cotton due to weak chilli prices. A sourcing agent in Raichur, notes that the cotton-growing areas in Karnataka and Telangana have received beneficial rains. This favourable weather, coupled with firm cotton prices, is likely to encourage farmers to plant more cotton.Regional Sowing Progress
āAll the major cotton-producing states such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have received good rainfall, and seed purchases have picked up in the past couple of days,ā said a source. Seed purchases in these states range between 35 and 50 percent, and planting may have taken place in about one-tenth of the targeted areas. However, cotton acreages may decrease in specific areas like Kurnool and parts of Telangana due to market-driven crop shifts. In North India, cotton planting begins earlier, around mid-April.However, the acreage is likely to drop by about a fourth. This decline is attributed to increased pest infestations in recent years and rising labour costs. These inhibiting factors have made cotton cultivation less attractive in this region.
The commencement of cotton sowing in South India, driven by the advancing monsoon, has set a positive tone for the Kharif 2024 season. Favourable weather conditions and strong cottonseed prices are encouraging farmers to increase cotton acreage, particularly in Telangana. However, challenges remain in North India due to pest infestations and high labour costs. Despite these challenges, the firm prices of raw cotton and cotton seeds suggest a stable market outlook.