CAI NATIONAL CROP COMMITTEE AND STAKEHOLDERS MET IN MUMBAI AND
ESTIMATED COTTON PRESSINGS/CROP FOR
2025-26 SEASON AT 334 LAKH BALES
As notified earlier, the Cotton Association of India (CAI) convened the all-India meeting of its National Crop Committee with stakeholders on Monday, 25th May 2026 in Mumbai.
The meeting was attended by 55 participants, including members of the CAI Crop Committee, Presidents/Secretaries of all 11 upcountry State Associations, mill representatives, MNCs, exporters, importers, traders, brokers and other prominent personalities from the cotton and textile value chain in India.
After an extensive deliberation lasting over two-and-a-half hours and based on the pressing data received from various State Associations as well as feedback from stakeholders, the Committee estimated the total cotton pressings/crop for the 2025-26 season at 334 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each (equivalent to 350.49 lakh running bales of 162 kgs. each).
Further, based on feedback received from stakeholders, the Committee also drew up the cotton balance sheet for the first seven months of the season, i.e. up to 30th April 2026, as well as for the entire season ending 30th September 2026. The cotton pressing/crop estimates and cotton balance sheets arrived at during the meeting, along with the corresponding data for the previous year, are enclosed.
During the discussions, differing views emerged regarding the carry-over stock numbers. Accordingly, a seven-member Committee has been constituted to reconcile the stock figures.
The Committee also proposed conducting a survey through an independent agency to ascertain the total cotton consumption in India. It was decided that this matter would be discussed further at the ensuing meeting of the CAI Board of Directors.
The Committee also deliberated on the state-wise cotton sowing prospects for the forthcoming cotton season. Based on reports received from various States, it was observed that, encouraged by the remunerative prices and better income realised during the current season, farmers are expected to bring a larger area under cotton cultivation during the next crop year. Consequently, the all-India cotton sowing area is expected to increase by around 7%.
Vinay N. Kotak Atul S. Ganatra
President Chairman, CAI Crop Committee
Mumbai
Date: 26th May 2026
