Cotlook Index: 17-08-2026
95.25 (+1.20)
ICE cotton rises further on crop concerns, weaker US dollar
Tue. 18th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: ICE cotton futures rose for a second session; December 2026 settled at 85.48 cents, a fresh 3-month high, as volume and open interest strengthened. China's reserve sale recorded its 21st consecutive 100 per cent sold-out auction, while ICE certified stocks fell to 72,626 bales.
US crop condition fell to 38 per cent Good + Excellent, with hot, dry West Texas weather the main production risk.
ICE cotton futures increased yesterday, the second consecutive trading session. US cotton continued to see bullish trend amid crop worries and extremely positive indications from China’s reserve sale. Weakening in US dollar also provided additional support as US cotton became more attractive for overseas buyers. The most active December 2026 contract settled at 85.48 cents up 0.68 cent. The contract reached a fresh 3-month high. Other active contracts also closed higher, with gaining 16-68 points. December contract has now decisively cleared the 84-85 cents resistance zone, improving technical structure. Volume and Open Interest also confirmed the strength. Futures volume increased to 43,938 contracts, compared with 36,423 Friday. Open Interest rose another 3,321 contracts to 354,763, marking the 11th consecutive increase. The combination of higher prices, higher OI and improving volume remains bullish, suggesting fresh participation rather than only short covering. China Reserve Buying remained extremely strong, with the 21st consecutive 100 per cent sold-out auction. Today, China sold around 8,036 tonnes reaching 21-day cumulative total at 168,356 tonnes. However, Chinese commercial cash buying remains quiet as mills are reluctant to chase cotton at current high prices. US Crop Progress for week ending August 16 squaring reached 97 per cent vs 97 per cent 5-year average, while bolls setting was 74 per cent vs 77 per cent average, leaving development 3 points behind normal. Balls opening was 14 per cent vs 14 per cent average. Overall development is not alarming, but boll setting is lagging. The bigger concern remains crop condition. The US Good + Excellent rating fell to 38 per cent, from 40 per cent last week and 55 per cent a year ago. Continued hot and dry conditions in West Texas remain the biggest production risk, particularly for dryland cotton. If the heat and dryness continue and crop ratings deteriorate further, the market could add additional weather premium. ICE Certified Stocks continued to fall, reaching only 72,626 bales as of August 14, down from 75,985 bales. The steady decline in deliverable stocks remains a major supportive factor for nearby futures. The US dollar has weakened towards a 3-month low, making US cotton relatively more competitive internationally and providing another supportive element for export demand. Lower crude oil remains a counter-factor because cheaper polyester production can reduce cotton's competitiveness against synthetic fibre. Overall, Monday's market was strongly bullish. December broke through 85 cents with rising volume and the 11th consecutive OI increase. China continues to absorb reserve cotton at a remarkable pace, certified stocks are falling, global stocks are at their lowest level since 2011-12, consumption is running more than 5 million bales above production, and US crop conditions continue to deteriorate. The biggest variable now is West Texas weather. If heat and dryness persist, the market can challenge 86.46 cents and potentially 87.40 cents. The key risk to the bullish view is improving US weather combined with continued weak physical buying at higher prices. This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for December 2026 was traded at 85.68 cents per pound (up 0.20 cent), cash cotton at 80.32 cents (up 0.47 cent), the October 2026 at 84.07 cents (up 0.47 cent), the March 2027 contract at 87.42 cents (up 0.14 cent), the May 2027 contract at 88.43 cents (up 0.07 cent), and the July 2027 contract at 87.79 cents (up 0.06 cent). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
Bangladesh, India discuss trade barriers during CII visit
Tue. 18th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: A CII delegation led by Chandrajit Banerjee is in Dhaka for talks on trade, investment and industrial co-operation with Bangladesh. Meetings with ministers and FBCCI matter for apparel, jute and wider manufacturing suppliers facing tariff and non-tariff issues. Trade data points to a large imbalance, keeping market access and Indian investment in Bangladesh on the agenda.
A Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) delegation is in Dhaka for talks on raising Bangladesh-India commerce, attracting investment and deepening industrial collaboration, with market-access barriers and manufacturing investment on the agenda for apparel, jute and wider supply-chain businesses. The delegation is scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. It will also engage with Bangladeshi business leaders at a Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) luncheon, where Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo is expected as chief guest. An 18-member CII delegation arrived in Dhaka on Monday for a three-day visit from August 17 to 19. The delegation is led by CII director general Chandrajit Banerjee and includes senior representatives from Indian companies in manufacturing, energy, engineering, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, as per local media reports. Indian companies include Arvind Limited, Bharat Biotech, Infravision Foundation, Godrej Industries, LMW Global, Mahindra Group, Larsen & Toubro, Forbes Marshall, Numaligarh Refinery, Apollo Hospitals and Indian Oil Corporation. FBCCI administrator Md Fazlul Hoque said that the discussions would cover expansion of bilateral trade and the case for Indian companies to look at Bangladesh as an investment destination. He pointed to Bangladesh’s domestic market, manufacturing competitiveness and access to international markets, and said Indian companies could manufacture in Bangladesh for local sales as well as exports to India and other destinations. He further added that the business engagement should be kept apart from political disputes, and that regular exchanges could help address disagreements between the two neighbours. Hoque, who formerly led the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, also said talks would cover Bangladeshi product exports to India and Indian investment through individual projects or joint ventures. Market access is expected to remain a key issue. Hoque said that Bangladesh should seek removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers affecting its exports to India. Trade ties had faced fresh pressure after New Delhi imposed anti-dumping duties and non-tariff barriers on some Bangladeshi exports, including jute goods, hydrogen peroxide, ready-made garments and apparel shipments through land ports. Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India reached approximately $12.36 billion in fiscal year 2025–26, according to the High Commission of India in Dhaka. India’s exports to Bangladesh stood at $10.56 billion, while Bangladesh’s exports to India were $1.78 billion, keeping the trade imbalance at the centre of discussions. Bangladesh-India trade stood at $10.57 billion in fiscal 2023-24, with Bangladesh importing $9.15 billion worth of goods from India and exporting $1.56 billion to the Indian market, as per the Export Promotion Bureau data.
The same data showed India as the eighth-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh, with investment of $887.81 million from 2001 to March 2025 and net investment of $132.83 million in fiscal 2024.
Cotton, Soybean Lead Amravati Kharif Sowing
Tue. 18th Aug 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton and Soybean Dominate Maharashtra's Amravati Division
Amravati (Maharashtra): Cotton and soybean continue to dominate the agricultural landscape in Maharashtra's Amravati division during this Kharif season. Soybean acreage has remained robust, while cotton sowing has also reached levels close to the average.
Soybean sowing in the division has covered 13.42 lakh hectares, representing 92% of the average acreage of 14.63 lakh hectares. In Buldhana district, soybean sowing reached 4.44 lakh hectares, which is 112% of the district's average acreage.
Cotton sowing has also remained strong. Cotton was sown across 10.80 lakh hectares against an average acreage of 10.92 lakh hectares in the division, marking a 99% achievement. Cotton acreage stood at 4.87 lakh hectares (103%) in Yavatmal and 2.67 lakh hectares (100%) in Amravati district.
The data indicates that farmers in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region continue to favor market-oriented crops. Soybean is the region's primary oilseed crop, while cotton maintains its strong position as a key cash crop. The fact that the acreage for both crops remains close to average levels reflects the farmers' continued reliance on them during the Kharif season.
New Cotton Arrivals Begin, Prices Reach ₹9,700
Tue. 18th Aug 2026, Yash Chouhan (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Arrival of New Cotton Begins in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh; High-Quality Cotton Fetches Up to ₹9,700
Arrivals of new cotton in the markets (mandis) of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh began in the second week of August. Prices remain firm for cotton with low moisture content and high quality. High-quality cotton with a moisture content of around 12% or less is selling at rates ranging from ₹8,500 to ₹9,700 per quintal. Prices for cotton with higher moisture content are comparatively lower. Gujarat: In the Amreli, Rajkot, and Jasdan markets, standard-quality cotton is selling between ₹8,300 and ₹9,200 per quintal, while high-quality cotton is fetching up to ₹9,800 per quintal. Haryana: In the Sirsa and Ellenabad markets, standard cotton is priced between ₹7,900 and ₹8,500 per quintal, with high-quality cotton at around ₹8,700 per quintal. Punjab: In the Abohar and Bathinda markets, standard cotton is priced between ₹7,300 and ₹8,000 per quintal, and high-quality cotton is at ₹8,400 per quintal. Rajasthan: In the Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh markets, standard cotton is priced between ₹7,400 and ₹8,100 per quintal, with high-quality cotton at around ₹8,500 per quintal. Madhya Pradesh: In the Nimar and Malwa regions, high-quality cotton is selling at ₹9,000 per quintal or higher. In Khargone, some traders have purchased cotton at rates up to ₹9,721 per quintal. Currently, private traders are purchasing the new crop. Despite the good prices, the pace of arrivals remains slow, with daily sales across various markets ranging from approximately 2,000 to 5,000 quintals. The Central Government has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at ₹8,267 per quintal for medium-staple cotton and ₹8,667 per quintal for long-staple cotton. Rising prices of cotton lint and cottonseed are also providing support to the cotton market. Meanwhile, the total area under cotton cultivation this year has declined by 0.52% compared to the previous year. However, there has been a marginal increase in acreage in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
ICAR’s 97th AGM Charts the Roadmap for Transformative Agriculture
Tue. 18th Aug 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
The 97th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Society was held today at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Without developed agriculture, the dream of a developed India cannot be realised.” He emphasised that India must move beyond merely increasing production and build a strong identity “from farm to global market”. He called for a demand-driven research ecosystem aligned with farmers’ needs, market demand and consumer requirements, with research outcomes delivering direct and measurable benefits to farmers.
He stressed that the next phase of agricultural transformation must focus on improving farm incomes and strengthening the resilience of small and marginal farmers. In this context, he emphasised integrated farming systems, along with timely access to quality seeds and planting material, balanced fertiliser use, improved soil health and sustainable agricultural practices.
Shri Chouhan also underlined the importance of strengthening India’s export viability through quality, nutrition, processing, packaging, shelf life and compliance with global standards. He called for stronger ICAR–industry partnerships to ensure that technologies developed through research are transferred to farmers more rapidly and effectively.
“Research alone is not enough; the right research, at the right time, must address the right problem and reach the farmer quickly that is the true measure of success,” he said.
Emphasising the need for a more outcome-oriented research ecosystem, Shri Chouhan called for greater dialogue among scientists, policymakers, farmers, industry and other stakeholders, along with clearer prioritisation of research objectives. He stressed that innovative ideas must move beyond laboratories and be translated into practical solutions and measurable impact on the ground.
“Our hard work, our research and our efforts can transform India’s image and change the destiny of our farmers,” he added.
Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, said that India has made significant strides in agriculture and allied sectors since 2014, and the next priority is to achieve self-reliance in agriculture.
He emphasised the need to strengthen self-sufficiency in pulses, oilseeds, seeds, livestock and value-added processing, while promoting climate-resilient agriculture, soil health and sustainable resource management. He also stressed stronger FPOs and market linkages to enhance farmers’ incomes.
Shri Choudhary underscored the role of ICAR and KVKs in taking science, technology and innovation to farmers, and said that self-reliant agriculture is vital to realising the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, highlighted India’s significant progress across agriculture and allied sectors, including foodgrains, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, meat and eggs. He attributed this transformation to scientific research, technology and the collective efforts of scientists, farmers and the Central and State Governments.
Highlighting the legacy of the Green and White Revolutions, Shri Baghel noted India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer and significant growth in fisheries production and exports. He stressed greater integration of agriculture, livestock, dairy, fisheries and poultry to enhance farmers’ incomes and strengthen the rural economy.
The meeting brought together Union and State Ministers and other stakeholders from across the agricultural and allied sectors. Other dignitaries present included Shri Gabriel Danwang Wangsu, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Horticulture and Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Smt. Nilima Devi, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary and Fisheries, Government of Assam; Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Bihar; Shri Shyam Singh Rana, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Fisheries and Horticulture, Government of Haryana; Shri Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister of Agriculture Production, Government of Jammu and Kashmir; Shri Narayan Singh Kushwaha, Minister of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Madhya Pradesh; Shri Methuthung Yanthan, MLA and Adviser, Agriculture Department, Government of Nagaland; Shri Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, Government of Punjab; Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Horticulture and Fisheries, Government of Sikkim; Shri Ganesh Joshi, Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Uttarakhand; Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Agricultural Research, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Dharampal Singh, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Sanjay Nishad, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Uttar Pradesh; and Shri Dudh Kumar Mondal, Minister, Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal.
Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, while presenting the key achievements of ICAR, highlighted the Council’s accelerated progress in science-led, farmer-centric agricultural transformation over the past year.
Foodgrain production rose by around 19 million tonnes, while horticulture, milk and fisheries also recorded significant growth. A total of 386 new crop varieties were released, including 94% climate-resilient and 29 biofortified varieties, strengthening productivity, climate resilience and nutrition security.
Dr Jat highlighted major breakthroughs in genomics, genome editing, livestock health, fisheries, soil health and natural farming that have further strengthened India’s agricultural resilience. The indigenous African Swine Fever vaccine emerged as a significant scientific breakthrough for pig health and farmers’ livelihoods.
ICAR has also accelerated the translation of research into field applications and market opportunities. Around 805 IP applications were filed during the past year, while technology commercialisation was strengthened across 36 institutions. The National Gender Platform for Agri-Food Systems now connects 9,000+ establishments, reinforcing women’s participation in agriculture.
Dr Jat also presented the ICAR Annual Report 2025–26 and read out the resolution for its adoption.
Shri Sandeep Sarkar, Additional Secretary, DARE & Financial Adviser, ICAR, presented the Annual Accounts along with the Auditor’s Report for 2024–25, followed by the resolution for their adoption.
Earlier, the meeting commenced with a presentation on the research progress made by ICAR since the last Annual General Meeting, highlighting the Council’s contributions to agricultural research, innovation and development.
A MoU was also signed with industry and CSR donors for CSR partnership with ICAR, further strengthening collaborative efforts and resource mobilisation for agricultural research and development.
Four ICAR publications were released during the occasion. The meeting also considered the updating/amendments in the Rules and Bye-laws of the ICAR Society, followed by the proposal for their adoption.
Members shared their suggestions regarding ICAR’s achievements and expectations with respect to agricultural research, providing valuable inputs for further strengthening the Council’s research and development agenda.
The participating Union and State Ministers expressed satisfaction over the growth in foodgrain production and the overall progress made in the agriculture sector. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Centre–State collaboration and working collectively towards farmers’ prosperity and advancement of agriculture.
The meeting concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Shri Sandeep Sarkar, Additional Secretary, DARE & Financial Adviser (DARE/ICAR), followed by the National Anthem.
The Annual General Meeting reaffirmed ICAR’s continued commitment to advancing agricultural research, innovation and technology-led development in close collaboration with the Union and State Governments, with a focus on farmers’ welfare, food and nutritional security, and a resilient, sustainable and self-reliant agricultural sector.
India's raw silk production edges up in 2025-26
Tue. 18th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: India's raw silk production rose 2.22 per cent YoY to 42,033 tonnes in 2025–26, Central Silk Board statistics show. Mulberry silk remained dominant at 32,250 tonnes, as higher-quality bivoltine silk increased 10.52 per cent to 11,229 tonnes. Vanya silk declined 2.19 per cent to 9,783 tonnes, while mulberry cultivation area expanded 3.07 per cent to 269,670 hectares.
India’s raw silk production increased by 2.22 per cent year on year (YoY) to 42,033 tonnes in year 2025–26 (April-March), compared with 41,121 tonnes in the previous year, according to latest statistics of Central Silk Board. Mulberry silk remained the dominant category, with production rising by 3.63 per cent to 32,250 tonnes from 31,119 tonnes in the previous fiscal. Within the mulberry segment, production of higher-quality bivoltine silk increased by 10.52 per cent to 11,229 tonnes from 10,160 tonnes. Multivoltine silk output grew marginally to 21,021 tonnes from 20,959 tonnes. The increase in bivoltine production indicated continuing improvement in India’s capacity to manufacture better-quality silk suitable for domestic value-added products and export markets.
Vanya silk production, comprising tasar, eri and muga varieties, declined by 2.19 per cent to 9,783 tonnes from 10,002 tonnes. Tasar silk output decreased to 1,768 tonnes from 1,884 tonnes, while eri silk production fell to 7,766 tonnes from 7,886 tonnes. Muga silk was the only Vanya category to record growth, with output increasing to 249 tonnes from 232 tonnes. The area under mulberry cultivation expanded by 3.07 per cent to 269,670 hectares in year 2025-26 from 261,633 hectares of last year. India’s raw silk production has expanded by 24.47 per cent since year 2020-21, when output stood at 33,770 tonnes. Mulberry silk production increased from 23,896 tonnes to 32,250 tonnes over the same period, while Vanya silk output remained broadly stable.
India's growth remains resilient; Q1 GDP seen at 7.3%: Report
Tue. 18th Aug 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com/news)
Insights: CareEdge sees India's Q1 FY27 GDP growth at 7.3 per cent and lifts its FY27 forecast to 7 per cent. Manufacturing growth is seen rising to 9.9 per cent, with factory output, tax collections, auto output and imports signalling stronger activity. Supply chains face watchpoints from West Asia energy risks, slower goods trade growth, trade-policy uncertainty and El Nino.
India’s economy is projected to grow 7.3 per cent in the first quarter (Q1) of fiscal 2027 (FY27), moderating from 7.8 per cent in Q4 FY26 but remaining strong despite external shocks, according to an economics preview from the CareEdge Ratings.
In Q1 FY27, the West Asia crisis raised concerns over raw material availability and high energy prices, although high-frequency indicators such as the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), credit growth, auto sales and exports showed strong growth and exceeded market expectations, the report said.On the basis of its CareEdge Economic Meter (CEM), which tracks more than 30 high-frequency indicators, the agency estimated Q1 FY27 GDP growth at 7.3 per cent and gross value added (GVA) growth at 7.4 per cent, compared with 7.8 per cent GDP growth and 7.9 per cent GVA growth in 2026.It also revised its FY27 GDP growth projection upwards to 7 per cent from its earlier estimate of 6.7 per cent. CareEdge attributed the Q1 divergence between GDP and GVA growth to negative growth in net indirect taxes, as the Centre’s indirect tax collections contracted 7 per cent, subsidies rose 37 per cent, and net indirect taxes—gross indirect tax collection minus subsidies—contracted 19 per cent in Q1 FY27. The contraction in indirect tax collections reflected the continuing impact of goods and services tax rate cuts introduced in September 2025, along with a recent reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel. Central subsidies increased across all major heads in Q1 FY27, led by fertiliser subsidies at 58 per cent year-on-year, followed by food subsidies at 18 per cent and fuel subsidies at 10 per cent. Sectorally, CareEdge expects Q1 FY27 growth to be supported by utilities, manufacturing, mining, construction, and financial, real estate and professional services. Agriculture, public administration, and trade, hotels, transport, communication and services related to broadcasting services are expected to weigh on overall growth momentum. Manufacturing growth is expected to strengthen to 9.9 per cent in Q1 FY27 from 7.3 per cent in Q4 FY26, despite global trade and weather-related headwinds. The agency said most high-frequency indicators point to improved manufacturing activity, including IIP manufacturing, goods and services tax collections, car sales, automotive production, and non-oil-non-gold imports. IIP manufacturing growth averaged 6.3 per cent in Q1 FY27, up from 4.7 per cent in Q4 FY26.
On the external front, CareEdge said geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which intensified in late Q4 FY26, carried into Q1 FY27, disrupting energy supplies and keeping Brent crude prices elevated. Although the conflict has eased from its March-April peak, risks remain high because of unresolved tensions and recurring flare-ups. About half of India’s energy imports flow through the Strait of Hormuz, while disruptions around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea have emerged as potential bottlenecks for global energy and trade flows, the agency said.
The global growth has remained resilient amid heightened uncertainty, moderating only marginally rather than sharply. It attributed this to more diversified global supply chains and sourcing networks, which helped reroute shocks. During this year’s oil shock, additional routes enabled West Asian countries to bypass the Strait of Hormuz through alternative shipping lanes across the Red Sea, while global strategic reserve drawdowns and a reduction in China’s oil imports provided further cushion.
The report said global corporate investment in artificial intelligence stood at $600 billion in 2025 and is expected to approach $1 trillion by 2026, supporting economic momentum in some economies alongside productivity gains.
Citing the World Trade Organization (WTO), CareEdge said merchandise trade volume growth is estimated to fall from 4.6 per cent in 2025 to 1.9 per cent in 2026, while services trade volume growth is projected to ease only marginally from 5.3 per cent to 4.8 per cent over the same period.
The International Monetary Fund lowered its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.0 per cent in its post-conflict July update from 3.3 per cent in its pre-conflict January update, but raised its 2027 forecast to 3.4 per cent from 3.0 per cent, the report added.
The report identifies four near-term risks for India: persistent geopolitical tensions and supply-chain disruptions; rising global inflation and tighter monetary policy by major central banks; uncertainty around global trade policies; and weather-related disruptions linked to El Nino.
