Cotlook Index: 10-08-2026
94.95 (1.25)
Centre Spends ₹69,860 Crore on Cotton
Tue. 8th Aug 2026, by yash chouhan (Source: https://www.smartinfoindia.com)
Centre Spent ₹69,860 Crore on Cotton Procurement in Telangana: Kishan Reddy
Hyderabad: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy stated on the occasion of National Handloom Day that the Central Government has spent over ₹69,860 crore on procuring cotton from farmers in Telangana under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism. Kishan Reddy said that the PM MITRA Mega Textile Park being developed in Warangal will integrate traditional textile techniques with modern machinery and technology. This will boost the textile and handloom sectors in the state and create new employment opportunities. He noted that the Modi government is advancing the '5F' vision for the textile sector alongside the 'Make in India' initiative. This vision emphasizes the journey from Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign markets. The objective is to strengthen the textile value chain from the farm to the global market. Kishan Reddy mentioned that incentives worth approximately ₹9 lakh crore are being provided for the sector's development up to 2030. According to the Minister, initiatives such as the PLI scheme, PM MITRA Park, National Handloom Development Program, Raw Material Supply Scheme, and Mudra Yojana are being implemented to support weavers. Through these schemes, assistance is being provided in areas including modern looms, raw materials, worksheds, design development, marketing, credit, and social security. He stated that the use of technologies like Artificial Intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics is being increased in the handloom and textile sectors. This will help improve productivity, quality, and market access. Kishan Reddy noted that this sector provides direct and indirect employment to approximately five crore people.
Ramchandra Rao Extends Greetings to Weavers
Telangana BJP President N. Ramchandra Rao extended his best wishes to weavers, artisans, and their families on National Handloom Day. He stated that regions such as Narayanpet, Kothakota, Gadwal, Pochampally, and Sircilla are renowned both within the country and abroad for their distinctive handloom traditions. He urged people to purchase and wear handloom products.
Organizational Meeting
An organizational meeting of the Telangana BJP also took place at the party's headquarters in New Delhi. Several senior leaders attended the meeting, including National President Nitin Nabin, Kishan Reddy, N. Ramchandra Rao, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and K. Laxman. Telangana in-charge Abhay Patil and State General Secretary (Organization) Chandrashekhar Tiwari were also present.
CCI Cotton Sales Cross 90 Lakh Bales
Tue. 10th Aug 2026, by yash chouhan (Source: https://www.smartinfoindia.com)
State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 Season
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) Increased its cotton candy prices by upto ₹700 per candy during this week . CCI has sold approximately 90,36,800 cotton bales for the 2025-26 season. Sales are highly concentrated in a few major cotton-producing states, Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat emerging as the leading contributors.
Australian Cotton Gains Global Edge
Tue. 10th Aug 2026, by yash chouhan (Source: https://www.smartinfoindia.com)
Small but Mighty: How Australian Cotton is Achieving New Goals
Although Australia produces only a small fraction of the world's total cotton, it holds a formidable global reputation for quality. In an era where agricultural innovation and strategic thinking are essential, Australia produces some of the world's finest cotton. Superior varieties, favorable natural conditions, farmer expertise, and strong demand have all played pivotal roles in this success. James Barlow, a Nutrien customer and cotton farmer from Gunnedah, has been growing cotton for the past decade. According to him, cotton integrates seamlessly into his irrigation system; it offers healthy profit margins and provides beneficial weed control. Thanks to double-cropping practices, he can grow a winter crop alongside cotton within the same year. A warm, dry autumn in 2026 created near-ideal conditions for cotton picking. According to the Australian Cotton Shippers Association, average yields reached approximately 12–14 bales per hectare, with quality remaining consistently high across all regions. Fiber length and strength were also excellent. The identity of Australian cotton extends beyond just quality; the industry has long prioritized sustainability and efficient water use. In 1991, it became the first sector in Australian agriculture to undergo an independent assessment of its environmental impact. Today, every cotton bale bears a unique barcode, enabling full traceability of its origin and production area. Potential shortages in global supply, rising synthetic fiber prices, and the growing demand for sustainable products are creating new opportunities for Australian cotton.
India MSME ministry, DPIIT join hands to expand GI market access
Tue. 11th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: India's MSME ministry and DPIIT signed an MoU in New Delhi to commercialise, standardise and expand market access for GI products.
The framework targets artisans, weavers and producer collectives seeking scalable, export-ready channels. Joint work will link authorised GI users to ONDC and GeM under a 'Bharat GI' banner and support GI pavilions at trade events.
India’s Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the commercialisation, quality standardisation and market access of Indian Geographical Indication (GI) products. Under the joint initiatives, the two organisations will work to integrate One District One Product (ODOP) into programme design and interventions. They will also facilitate onboarding of GI collectives and authorised users onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under a dedicated ‘Bharat GI’ banner, the Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises said in a press release.
The MoU was signed recently at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, by Md. Salik Parwaiz, director, Ministry of MSME, and Karan Thapar, director, IPR Division, DPIIT, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. The framework is aimed at helping GI products move from localised crafts into scalable, commercially viable and export-ready enterprises. The collaboration also covers co-sponsoring dedicated GI pavilions at national and international trade expos, buyer-seller meets and exhibitions for domestic and global marketing of GI products. For artisan, weaver and producer collectives, the stated focus is on capacity building, digital enablement and stronger access to premium domestic and international markets. The MoU aligns DPIIT’s mandate for intellectual property protection with the Ministry of MSME’s enterprise-development role. It is also expected to strengthen India’s GI ecosystem and support the wider Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local vision. DPIIT is the nodal department for registration and legal protection of GIs in India under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, while the Ministry of MSME steers the growth, financial health and development of micro, small and medium enterprises, traditional industries and artisans across the country.
ICE cotton ends lower on profit taking, stronger US dollar
Tue. 11th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: ICE December 2026 cotton settled at 83.86 cents, down 0.54 cent, after a 487-point gain in seven sessions. Trading volume fell to 46,070 contracts, while open interest rose 3,575 to 343,058, signalling fresh positions despite lower prices. US crop good ratings slipped to 40 per cent; West Texas weather, India monsoon, China's State Reserve buying and tight ICE stocks support cotton.
ICE cotton futures declined yesterday because of profit booking and consolidation after exceptionally strong rally in the last week. It was first broad-based decline since July 29, marking a normal corrective session after the recent sharp rally. Additionally, stronger US dollar also put pressure on US cotton prices. The most active December 2026 contract settled at 83.86 cents down 0.54 cent. The contract had gained 487 points in the last seven sessions. Whilst other active contracts declined 32 to 50 points. The market had seen very limited downside during the preceding seven sessions. Monday therefore looked more like profit-taking and consolidation than a confirmed trend reversal. Trading volume totalled 46,070 contracts, down from 52,325 contracts Friday and below last week's average of 53,591 contracts, suggesting the decline was not accompanied by panic liquidation. Open Interest increased 3,575 contracts to 343,058, marking the 6th consecutive daily increase. OI has now risen 21,330 contracts in six sessions, an important signal because fresh positions continued entering the market even as prices declined. The US Dollar strengthened modestly, putting some pressure on US cotton export competitiveness. The market had benefited from a weaker dollar during the previous week's rally, so the currency reversal provided an additional reason for profit-taking. Although, USDA's August crop-condition data showed the US cotton crop continuing to deteriorate. As of August 9, the percentage rated good fell to 40 per cent, from 42 per cent the previous week and 53 per cent last year. Excellent-rated cotton increased to 10 per cent, compared with 4 per cent the previous week and 5 per cent last year, but the broader Good-to-Excellent picture remains weaker than last year, highlighting continued crop-quality concerns. The combination of declining Good ratings and persistent weather risk continues to provide underlying support to cotton even during the correction. West Texas weather remains a key market concern, with traders monitoring continued heat and dryness during the critical boll-development period. Weather-related production risks have not disappeared despite the recent price correction. India's monsoon situation also remains important, with rainfall reported below normal in several cotton-growing areas and the outlook continuing to influence expectations for Indian production. China's State Reserve buying remains a major underlying demand factor after a record run of consecutive fully sold auctions, helping keep nearby physical cotton supported even as futures correct. ICE certified stocks remain extremely tight, reinforcing the market's underlying deliverable-supply story and limiting the potential for a deep correction unless demand or weather fundamentals deteriorate materially. Technically, the market is still in a strong medium-term uptrend, but Monday's close near the lows after the recent 800 plus point rally is an early warning that momentum has cooled. Overall, Monday's decline looks like a corrective/profit-taking session rather than a confirmed bearish reversal. The most important bullish signal is that Open Interest continued rising despite the lower price, whilst the main bearish signal is the close near the lows. After an extraordinary 802-point six-week rally, some consolidation was overdue. The key test now is whether buyers return above 83 cent or whether the market sees 2–3 consecutive sessions of follow-through selling. This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for December 2026 was traded at 83.46 cents per pound (down 0.40 cent), cash cotton at 78.97 cents (down 0.50 cent), the October 2026 at 82.72 cents (down 0.50 cent), the March 2027 contract at 85.33 cents (down 0.39 cent), the May 2027 contract at 86.62 cents (down 0.29 cent), and the July 2027 contract at 86.21 cents (down 0.33 cent). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
China Cotton Yarn Demand Remains Weak
Tue. 11th Aug 2026, by yash chouhan (Source: https://www.smartinfoindia.com)
Off-season impact persists; cotton yarn demand remains weak The pure cotton yarn market in China remained under off-season pressure last week. Trading activity was limited due to weak downstream demand, and prices for major yarn varieties saw no significant changes. As of August 7, the reference ex-factory spot price for 21S ring-spun pure cotton yarn in Shandong stood at 23,300 RMB/tonne, while 32S yarn was priced at 24,675 RMB/tonne; both prices remained stable compared to the previous week. Despite fluctuations in domestic cotton prices, most textile mills kept yarn prices steady and focused on reducing inventory. Amid rising raw material costs, mills exercised caution in purchasing, buying primarily on an as-needed basis. The price for 32S pure cotton ring-spun yarn was 23,500 RMB/tonne in Xinjiang and 23,600 RMB/tonne in China's inland regions. Weakness was also observed in the downstream weaving industry. Capacity utilization dropped to approximately 72% in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong, while in Foshan, Guangdong, it temporarily fell to 20%. Procurement of grey fabric was largely limited to small, urgent orders. Limited adjustments in cotton and yarn prices increased pressure on spinning mill margins. As of August 6, spinning margins stood at -391.93 RMB/tonne in Xinjiang, while in China's inland regions, they fell to -1,753.13 RMB/tonne. High inventory levels and weak sales intensified operational pressure on companies, particularly regarding medium- and high-count yarns. The market is currently receiving mixed signals. Concerns that high temperatures in Xinjiang might impact the boll-setting stage of the new cotton crop have provided support to prices. On the other hand, the continued sale of government reserve cotton has alleviated supply-related concerns. The likelihood of a sharp rise in cotton yarn prices in the near term is limited due to weak global end-demand, a slow recovery in export orders, and a lack of improvement in the domestic market. Prices are expected to remain range-bound with a weak undertone.
Cotton Prices Rise on Strong Demand
Tue. 11th Aug 2026, by yash chouhan (Source: https://www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton Prices Surge in India Driven by Global Signals and Strong Demand
Cotton prices in India continue to rise, fueled by strength in global markets and growing domestic demand. On Monday, citing limited stocks and robust buying by spinning mills, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised cotton prices by ₹700 per candy (356 kg). Over the past two weeks, CCI prices have seen a cumulative increase of approximately ₹1,400 per candy. According to Ramanuj Das Boob, a sourcing agent based in Raichur, sowing has been affected by the delayed monsoon, raising concerns that the arrival of the new crop will also be delayed. This is putting pressure on existing stocks. Activity in the resale market has also intensified due to strong demand. Prices for pressed bale cotton are hovering around ₹67,500–68,500 per candy, while quotes from resellers and multinational companies are running about ₹1,000 higher than CCI rates. CCI sales remain robust. Approximately 2 lakh bales were sold last week, while sales on Monday were estimated at around 70,000 bales. To date, total CCI sales are estimated at around 91.5 lakh bales, with unsold stock standing at approximately 14 lakh bales.
By last Friday, the cotton acreage in the country had crossed 106 lakh hectares. Acreage increased in Gujarat, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, while declines were recorded in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. Indian cotton is also receiving support from the international market. December cotton futures on the ICE are trading around 84 cents per pound. A weaker dollar, weather-related concerns in key US cotton-producing regions, a potential reduction in global stocks, and improved demand have bolstered the market. According to experts, cotton consumption has strengthened due to rising yarn demand in both domestic and export markets and increased production of coarse-count yarn. By the end of September, India's closing stock could drop to around 75–80 lakh bales.
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches National Scholarship Portal
Tue.11th Aug 2026 (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
Scholarships worth Rs 21.35 crore released to over 6,000 agriculture students through NSP-DBT by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Minister stresses on practical training, timely assistance and agricultural innovation
“Examination, admission and payment - all must happen on time; that is the real test of any system”: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
“Agriculture is not just about classrooms; practical training is essential for developing real skills”: Shri Shivraj Singh
“Fields, farmers and science together strengthen the country’s food security and self-reliance”: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
“Agriculture, food security, nutrition and farmers’ income security remain priorities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi”: Shri Shivraj Singh
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan appeals to agriculture students to undertake plantation drives at ICAR institutions across the country on ‘Hariyali Amavasya’
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday released scholarship and fellowship funds for agriculture students from across the country through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at ICAR-IARI, Pusa. Under this initiative, a total amount of Rs 21.35 crore was released directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to more than 6,000 students. With the introduction of this new initiative, agriculture students will now receive their scholarship amounts every month through DBT without facing unnecessary difficulties or delays. The initiative is aimed at making the process of scholarship disbursement more streamlined and ensuring that students receive financial assistance in a timely and hassle-free manner. On the occasion, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that a scholarship is not merely financial assistance, but also a means of making agricultural education stronger, more practical and better connected with opportunities. He said that with the DBT system now in place, students would receive assistance on time and the problem of traditional delays would be eliminated. Addressing the students, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised that practical training is extremely important in agricultural education, because classroom-based learning alone cannot produce good farmers, scientists or agricultural entrepreneurs. He stressed that students need opportunities to gain practical experience and understand the realities of agriculture beyond the classroom. He also appealed to students to share their suggestions and ideas for improvement so that the education and training system can be continuously strengthened. He said that the purpose of agricultural education should be not only to impart knowledge but also to equip young people with the practical skills, confidence and understanding required to contribute effectively to the agriculture sector. Shri Chouhan also said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government is giving priority to food security, nutrition and farmers’ income security in the agriculture sector. Appreciating the contribution of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) scientists, he said that their research, along with the hard work of farmers, has strengthened the country’s foodgrain reserves and contributed significantly to India’s agricultural progress. He urged young people to set larger goals along with building their careers and encouraged them to do something meaningful for the country. Union Minister Shri Chouhan said that agriculture students should not limit themselves only to seeking employment, but should also take a leading role in innovation, start-ups and research. He encouraged the younger generation to look at agriculture as a field offering a wide range of opportunities and to contribute towards finding new solutions to emerging challenges. He underlined the importance of young agricultural professionals and students in taking forward scientific advancement, entrepreneurship and innovation in the sector. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the NSP-DBT system would make scholarship distribution more transparent, faster and seamless. The system would ensure that students receive financial assistance on time, enabling them to concentrate more effectively on their education without being burdened by uncertainty regarding the release of scholarship funds. The Union Minister emphasised the need to create an education system that prepares students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical capabilities and an understanding of the changing requirements of agriculture. Shri Chouhan also appealed to agriculture students at ICAR institutions across the country to undertake plantation activities on the occasion of ‘Hariyali Amavasya’. He said that green initiatives are part of a collective responsibility towards both agriculture and the environment, and encouraged students to actively participate in plantation activities and contribute to strengthening awareness and responsibility towards the environment. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, ICAR Secretary Shri Gyanendra Tripathi, Deputy Director General Dr. Yashpal Singh Malik and IARI Director Dr. C. Srinivasa Rao were present at the programme. Senior officials, scientists and students from ICAR and IARI attended the event in large numbers, while thousands of students also joined the programme online.
