Cotlook Index: 09-07-2026
89.75 ( UC)
Bangladesh eyes CEPA with India to tackle trade gap, parliament told
Fri. 10th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)\
Insights: Bangladesh has taken the initiative to launch a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with India to reduce import dependence, boost exports and address trade imbalance, the former's parliament was told.
The country is pursuing policies to develop domestic industries, expand the production of import-substitute goods and encourage the import of essential raw materials and capital machinery.
Bangladesh has taken the initiative to launch a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with India to reduce import dependence, boost exports and address trade imbalance, according to the former’s Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.
The country is pursuing policies to develop domestic industries, expand the production of import-substitute goods, discourage imports of products that can be manufactured locally and encourage the import of essential raw materials and capital machinery to reduce import dependence.
This was revealed by State Minister for Commerce Shariful Alam while replying to questions in parliament meant for Muktadir, who was absent.
Bilateral trade between the two nations stood at $11.39 billion in fiscal 2024-25 (FY25), of which Bangladesh's exports were worth $1.76 billion.
The proposed Import Policy Order 2026-2029 stresses on enhancing the competitiveness of domestic industries, ensuring the efficient use of foreign currency, and making import management more transparent, modern and business-friendly, Alam noted.
Bangladesh now has trade agreements with two countries—Bhutan, signed on December 6, 2020, and Japan, signed on February 6, 2026, the parliament was informed.
The country exported 812 products to 202 destinations worldwide in FY25. These exports generated $44.17 billion, accounting for 91.48 per cent of the total export earnings, domestic media outlets reported.
India QCI-NSIC pact to boost MSME market access.
Fri. 10th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)\
Insights: QCI and NSIC have signed a five-year MoU to improve quality adoption, competitiveness and market access for India's MSMEs.
The pact links ZED Certification, MSME Global Mart, TEAM Initiative and SPRS into a unified support framework.
ZED-certified firms will get digital commerce, ONDC onboarding, AI product cataloguing and export promotion support.
The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a joint support framework for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on quality adoption, competitiveness and market access across India.
The MoU was signed at the QCI Office, World Trade Centre, New Delhi, in the presence of senior officials from NSIC, QCI, NABL and NABET, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a press release.
The collaboration combines QCI's work in quality, accreditation and certification with NSIC's MSME support network. It seeks to align national initiatives including the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme, MSME Global Mart, the TEAM Initiative and the Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS), giving enterprises a more integrated route to certification, digital market access, testing support and capacity building.
The partnership will offer ZED-certified MSMEs more digital commerce opportunities through MSME Global Mart, onboarding on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) under the TEAM Initiative, AI-enabled product cataloguing and export promotion through dedicated digital platforms.
The agreement will also strengthen convergence between ZED Certification and SPRS, support National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation for NSIC testing facilities, and enable National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)-led assessment, accreditation and customised capacity-building programmes for NSIC training centres and laboratories, added the release.
QCI and NSIC will form a Joint Coordination Committee with representatives from both organisations. The committee will meet every quarter to identify further areas of collaboration, track progress and guide joint initiatives during the five-year MoU tenure.
The partnership is aimed at strengthening quality infrastructure and institutional capabilities while improving market access for MSMEs seeking to compete in domestic and global markets.
Strong Monsoon Boosts Kharif Sowing in Maharashtra; Coverage Reaches 45% in One Week
Sat. 11th July 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Strong Monsoon Accelerates Kharif Sowing in Maharashtra; Coverage Jumps from 20% to 45% in a Week
Nashik: An active monsoon and consistent, good rainfall across Maharashtra have accelerated the sowing of Kharif crops. According to the latest data from the State Agriculture Department, Kharif sowing coverage rose from 20% of the total acreage on July 1 to 45% by July 7. Officials state that if the current rainfall pattern continues, sowing operations will gain further momentum.
Sowing has been completed on approximately 6.5 million (65 lakh) hectares out of the state's average Kharif area of 14.4 million (144 lakh) hectares (excluding sugarcane). Division-wise, Amravati leads the state with 58% of its area sown. This is followed by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at 53% and the Nashik division at 50%.
The Nashik division—comprising Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, and Nandurbar districts—has witnessed a significant surge in sowing following recent rains. Here, sowing has been completed on approximately 1.02 million (10.24 lakh) hectares out of an average Kharif area of 2.03 million (20.33 lakh) hectares. Conversely, the pace of sowing remains slow in the Konkan region, with only 4% coverage recorded against an average area of 0.39 million (3.92 lakh) hectares. Sowing completion stands at 28% in the Pune division and 22% in the Kolhapur division.
Soybean, cotton, maize, paddy, sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), green gram (moong), and black gram (urad) are the major Kharif crops in Maharashtra. Soybean and cotton dominate the landscape, together accounting for over 62% of the state's total Kharif acreage. Soybean sowing has been completed on 2.36 million (23.58 lakh) hectares—approximately 50%—of the estimated 4.72 million (47.21 lakh) hectare area. Meanwhile, cotton sowing has been completed across 25.38 lakh hectares—approximately 60% of the target area of 42.47 lakh hectares.
Maize sowing is also progressing well; so far, planting has been completed on 5.71 lakh hectares (61%) out of the estimated 9.33 lakh hectares. However, paddy transplantation is still in its initial stage, with work completed on only 1.40 lakh hectares (9%) out of the estimated 15.02 lakh hectares.
Maharashtra recorded 290.7 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 7, which is 103% of the normal 282.3 mm. The Agriculture Department believes that if this trend of above-normal rainfall continues, sowing for the Kharif season will be completed on time, and production prospects will be bolstered.
Kharif Sowing Nears Completion in Maharashtra's Kej Taluka, Soybean Covers 64,000 Hectares.
Sat. 11th July 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Kharif Sowing Gains Momentum in Maharashtra's Kej Taluka; Cultivation Across 70,000 Hectares, with 64,000 Hectares Dedicated to Soybean
Kej (Beed): Sowing for the Kharif season is nearly complete in Kej Taluka, located in Maharashtra's Beed district, thanks to favorable monsoon rains this year. According to Agriculture Department data, Kharif crops have been sown across an area of 69,813 hectares so far. Soybean accounts for the largest share, covering 64,215 hectares, whereas cotton cultivation is limited to just 1,943 hectares. This clearly indicates that farmers continue to place their greatest trust in soybean crops.
Farmers had begun preparations for the Kharif season—including field ploughing and the procurement of seeds and fertilizers—as early as the last week of May. Following good rainfall over three consecutive days starting June 6, farmers commenced large-scale sowing of soybean and other Kharif crops. While the initial rains facilitated good progress, a subsequent dry spell lasting about 15 days slowed the pace of sowing. Many farmers had paused sowing operations while waiting for the next round of rain.
Once good rainfall resumed after June 20, farmers rapidly accelerated field activities, leading to a swift expansion of the sown area. Consequently, the total area under Kharif crops in the taluka reached 69,813 hectares. In addition to soybean, crops such as green gram (moong), black gram (urad), pigeon pea (arhar), and maize were also sown, though their acreage remains significantly lower compared to soybean. Cotton cultivation also remained confined to a limited area.
Soybean and other crops sown during the first week of June have germinated well. However, the mid-season break in rainfall raised concerns about potential impacts on crop growth. Many farmers attempted to save their crops by irrigating them using available water sources. Soybean crops sown during the last week of June have also sprouted, and the fields are now showing signs of greenery. Farmers are currently pinning their hopes on good rainfall. Although the region has remained cloudy for the past week, there has been no significant rainfall. Farmers state that if there is good rain during the second half of July, the growth of all Kharif crops—including soybeans—will improve, raising the likelihood of higher yields. Agricultural experts also believe that if timely rainfall continues, Kharif production in Kej Taluka is expected to be satisfactory this year.
Cotton Sowing Gains Momentum in July, Still Behind Last Year Despite Better Monsoon
Sat. 11th July 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton Sowing Picks Up Pace in July but Lags Behind Last Year; Momentum Boosted by Improved Monsoon
New Delhi: Cotton sowing across the country has accelerated in July following the revival of the southwest monsoon. However, the total sown area remains lower compared to the previous year. Agriculture Commissioner P.K. Singh stated that improved rainfall has boosted the pace of sowing in major cotton-producing states, and this gap is expected to narrow further in the coming days.
According to the Agriculture Commissioner, cotton had been sown across 63.18 lakh hectares by July 5, whereas the figure stood at 82 lakh hectares during the same period last year. While the season started slowly, farmers have ramped up sowing activities following good rainfall in July.
He noted that cotton sowing in India takes place at different times across various states. It begins in Punjab and Haryana before extending to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Under normal circumstances, cotton sowing concludes by July 15; however, due to the delayed monsoon this year, the deadline has been extended to July 30.
An agricultural trader from Ahmedabad reported a significant surge in cotton sowing recently, driven by good rainfall in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. He mentioned that some farmers are shifting from paddy to cotton and pulses in anticipation of better prices. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, many farmers have resumed cotton sowing after reporting poor germination of soybean crops.
Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the central region of Madhya Pradesh are the most critical areas among India's major cotton-producing regions. Other key producing states include Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. According to the latest estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture, the country's cotton production for the year 2025-26 is projected at 290.91 lakh bales (170 kg per bale), down from 297.24 lakh bales in the previous year.
P.K. Singh noted that the pace of sowing during the Kharif season is highest in July. While sowing covers an average of approximately 50 lakh hectares per week in June, this figure rises to between 200 and 250 lakh hectares per week in July. He stated that an accurate assessment of production and productivity would only be possible after sowing is completed. The government verifies sowing data through preliminary estimates, remote sensing, and block-level digital crop surveys.
Kharif Sowing Nears Completion in Manawar as Cotton and Soybean Cover 28,000 Hectares
Sat. 11th July 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Kharif sowing nearly complete in Manawar; cotton and soybean cultivated across 28,000 hectares; rainfall benefits crops
Manawar: Sowing for the Kharif season is nearing completion in the Manawar region of Madhya Pradesh. This year, farmers have sown major Kharif crops across an area of approximately 28,000 hectares. This includes about 21,000 hectares dedicated to cotton and over 7,000 hectares to soybean cultivation. Rainfall exceeding one inch over the past 24 hours has ensured adequate soil moisture, significantly benefiting the initial growth of the crops.
According to the Agriculture Department, the timely onset of the monsoon allowed farmers to complete sowing operations within the scheduled timeframe. Recent rains have notably improved soybean germination, and plant growth in the fields appears satisfactory.
Mahesh Barman, Senior Agricultural Development Officer (SADO) of the Agriculture Department, stated that the moisture received during the initial stage is highly beneficial for crop development. He noted that most farmers have now begun spraying necessary chemicals for weed control and the management of pests and diseases. Timely execution of these agricultural activities increases the likelihood of improved crop quality and higher yields.
Local farmer Raju Deora mentioned that the rain, which began on Tuesday evening, continued steadily through Wednesday. With overcast skies persisting throughout the day, farmers are optimistic about receiving good rainfall in the coming days. He stated that if adequate rainfall continues for the remainder of July, both cotton and soybean crops will thrive, potentially leading to increased production.
Agricultural experts believe that sufficient moisture during the early stages of crop growth is crucial for a good harvest. The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to regularly inspect their fields, prevent waterlogging, and immediately implement control measures upon noticing early signs of weeds, pests, or diseases. Officials state that scientific crop management and timely care can help reduce production costs while ensuring better yields. Taking advantage of favorable weather conditions, farmers are also engaged in the regular monitoring of crops and necessary agricultural activities in the coming days.
Telangana Kharif Season Faces Crisis as Monsoon Deficit Hits 63% of Mandals
Mon. 13th July 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Crisis Looms Over Telangana's Kharif Season Due to Deficient Monsoon; 63% of Mandals Affected
Hyderabad: A weak monsoon this year has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Telangana's Kharif season. Despite sowing and transplantation covering a larger area by the end of the first week of July compared to last year, farmers are increasingly concerned due to a severe rainfall deficit across most parts of the state. Agricultural experts believe that a lack of adequate and consistent rainfall in the coming days could severely impact crop growth, yields, and farmers' incomes.
Out of the 605 mandals across the state's 32 rural districts, 382 (approximately 63 percent) have been affected by the monsoon's failure. The Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal rainfall for the remainder of July, further deepening the crisis facing Kharif crop prospects. Persistent rainfall deficiency has resulted in insufficient water inflow into major, medium, and minor irrigation reservoirs located in catchment areas, thereby disrupting irrigation systems.
According to data from the Agriculture Department, the total area under Kharif cultivation has reached 55.32 lakh acres so far this year, compared to 52.04 lakh acres during the same period last year. A breakdown by crop reveals that cotton accounts for the largest share, with sowing completed on 39.44 lakh acres. Additionally, paddy transplantation has covered 4.22 lakh acres, while soybean, red gram (arhar), and maize have been cultivated on 3.35 lakh acres, 3.19 lakh acres, and 2.84 lakh acres, respectively; green gram (moong) and black gram (urad) have been cultivated on approximately 46,000 acres.
Data from the Telangana Development Planning Society indicates that 68 mandals recorded rainfall deficits ranging from 60 to 99 percent below normal, while 327 mandals saw deficits between 20 and 59 percent. Rainfall was recorded in the 'normal' category in only 181 mandals; however, even within these areas, most received up to 19 percent less rainfall than normal. On the other hand, above-normal or excess rainfall was recorded in only 45 mandals. Of these, 11 mandals are located across the districts of Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Suryapet, and Bhadradri-Kothagudem.
Statewide, average rainfall has been 25 percent below normal. The highest deficit was recorded in Hanumakonda district, while 25 districts—including Hyderabad—received less-than-normal rainfall. Nevertheless, groundwater levels remain stable due to good rainfall last year. The average groundwater level in June 2025 stood at 9.46 meters, nearly identical to the 9.47 meters recorded in June of the previous year.
In anticipation of a potential crisis, the Agriculture Department has prepared a contingency plan. Officials state that if adequate rainfall does not occur by the end of the second week of July, farmers will be provided with seeds for alternative crops. Additionally, agricultural scientists are advising farmers to adopt low-water-consuming crops and weather-based farming practices to minimize potential losses.
India, New Zealand elevate ties to 'strategic partnership'
Sun. 12th July 2026 (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)\
Insights: India and New Zealand have elevated their ties to a 'strategic partnership', strengthening cooperation, as well as coordination on Indo-Pacific priorities and multilateral issues. The 'Roadmap to 2030' will guide its structured implementation for four years.
The decision was arrived at during PM Narendra Modi's recent visit to Auckland.
Both sides plan to double bilateral trade to ₹350 billion by 2030.
India and New Zealand have elevated their relationship to a ‘strategic partnership’, strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, tourism, culture, sports, agri-tech, people-to-people ties, as well as coordination on Indo-Pacific priorities and multilateral issues.
The ‘Roadmap to 2030’ offers a strategic guide for structured implementation of the strategic partnership across relevant ministries and stakeholders for the next four years.
The decision was arrived at during Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s official visit to Auckland, New Zealand, on July 10-11.
Both sides set a target to double bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion (₹350 billion) by 2030 to boost economic ties and expand market access, in the context of the recently-signed free trade agreement.
Recognising the shared challenges of climate change and the transition to low-emissions and climate-resilient economies, Modi and New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon agreed to deepen cooperation through the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Modi welcomed New Zealand joining the Global Biofuels Alliance.
India welcomed New Zealand’s nomination of maritime security as its priority pillar under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, according to a joint statement issued after the visit. Both sides agreed to explore specific cooperation activities under this pillar.
They also agreed to establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue to strengthen cooperation, coordination and information exchange.
