Cotlook Index: 21-09-2026
91.35 (-0.95)
PAU Bt 5 Cotton Yield Reaches 25.72 Quintals
Tuesday, 22nd Sep 2026, Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
A new public-sector Bt cotton variety has recorded a yield of 25.72 quintals/hectare in North India.
Punjab Agricultural University's (PAU) 'PAU Bt 5' (also known as PBH Bt 21) is emerging as a significant new public-sector Bt cotton variety for irrigated cultivation across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Released in 2023, this variety was developed through 'pedigree selection' from the cross LH 2298 × PAU Bt 1. According to AICRP cotton trials conducted at five locations in the Northern Zone between 2019 and 2022, PAU Bt 5 recorded an average seed cotton yield of 2,572 kg/ha (i.e., 25.72 quintals/hectare). Its yield was 20.1% higher than PAU Bt 1 and 21.8% higher than PAU Bt 2, while it outperformed local check varieties by 8.18%. The variety has a maturity period of 160–165 days and a ginning outturn of 35.8%. Fiber testing recorded an Upper Half Mean Length of 26.2 mm, a Micronaire value of 4.9, and a fiber strength of 26.4 g/tex, indicating good spinning quality. Disease resistance is another key attribute. PAU Bt 5 is moderately resistant to the cotton leaf curl virus and resistant to fungal foliar leaf spot and bacterial leaf blight. This variety is also notable for originating from India's public breeding system. With a seed cotton yield of approximately 2.6 tonnes per hectare in coordinated trials and specific adaptability to irrigated conditions in the northern region, PAU Bt 5 adds another public-sector-developed option to the region's Bt cotton portfolio.
Dry Spell Stresses Soygaon Cotton, Soybean
Tuesday, 22nd Sep 2026, Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Dry Spell Puts Soygaon’s Cotton and Soybean Crops Under Stress as Farmers Await Rain
A prolonged dry spell during August and September is affecting Kharif crops in Soygaon taluka, despite cumulative rainfall reaching 109% of the average so far. The shortage of timely rain during critical flowering and crop-development stages has raised concerns over crop yields.
Farmers are reporting shedding of cotton squares (flower buds), poor development of maize cobs and problems with soybean pod formation.This year, Kharif sowing in the taluka covered 42,485 hectares, including 28,206 hectares of cotton, 6,693 hectares of maize and 4,258 hectares of soybean.Rainfall distribution has been highly uneven. June received 100% of normal rainfall and July recorded 197%, but rainfall fell to 55% of normal in August and only 34% in September. Among revenue circles, Jarandi received 139% and Soygaon 134% of normal rainfall, while Banoti recorded 88% and Savaldbara 81%. Under the guidance of Taluka Agriculture Officer Bharat Kasar, agriculture officials are visiting farms to assess crop conditions and provide farmers with on-site advice on protecting crops from further damage. With the crops at sensitive growth stages, farmers are now waiting for timely rainfall to support crop development and protect yields.
CCI Cotton Prices Fall, Sales Reach 94.29 Lakh Bales
Tuesday, 22nd Sep 2026, Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
State-wise CCI Cotton Sales Details – 2025-26 Season
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) decreased its cotton candy prices by upto ₹1,600-₹2,000 per candy during this week . CCI has sold approximately 94,29,700 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.
India's jute sales seen rising 15% this fiscal as fibre costs ease
Tuesday, 22nd Sep 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights
India's jute sales volumes are seen rising about 15 per cent this fiscal after two weak years, helped by softer raw jute prices and a demand rebound.
Domestic market contributes nearly 85 per cent of industry revenue and demand is projected to rise about 20 per cent.
Crisil Ratings expects margins near 9 per cent and credit metrics to improve.
India’s jute industry is poised for a turnaround this fiscal, with sales volumes expected to rise about 15 per cent after declining at an annualised about 10 per cent over the previous two fiscals, as domestic demand revives, export prospects improve and raw jute prices soften, according to the Crisil Ratings.
The recovery follows two difficult years marked by weak demand, elevated raw material costs and pressure on profitability. For manufacturers and buyers, moderation in fibre costs is expected to ease product prices, helping demand recover after customers shifted towards lower-cost alternative packaging materials when higher raw jute prices were passed on.
Crisil Ratings in a press release said its analysis of jute manufacturers it rates, which account for about 40 per cent of industry revenue, shows the domestic market remains central to the rebound. Domestic demand, which contributes nearly 85 per cent of industry revenue, is projected to increase about 20 per cent this fiscal, reversing a similar cumulative decline over the preceding two years.
Export demand is also showing signs of improvement. Growth in downstream sectors such as home textiles, lifestyle products and other value-added jute applications is expected to support exports, while rationalisation of US tariffs from elevated levels seen last fiscal could improve the competitiveness of Indian jute products in global markets.
Rahul Guha, senior director, Crisil Ratings said: "While improving demand will support revenue growth, profitability is likely to receive an even larger boost from easing raw material costs." The agency said better crop output has improved domestic raw jute availability and softened prices despite subdued imports. Raw jute accounts for 60-65 per cent of the industry’s operating expenses, and lower fibre costs plus better capacity utilisation are expected to lift operating margins by about 130 basis points to nearly 9 per cent this fiscal.
Raw jute prices had risen by more than 10 per cent last fiscal because of supply constraints. Higher minimum support prices encouraged farmers to increase acreage under cultivation, leading to better crop output this year.
The credit rating agency said stronger profitability and limited debt-funded capital expenditure should improve credit metrics. Healthy cash accruals are likely to fund maintenance capital expenditure and working capital requirements while maintaining adequate liquidity, while most players have avoided aggressive debt-funded expansion and favoured incremental modernisation and operational efficiency initiatives.
Balance sheets are expected to remain resilient, with gearing projected to improve marginally to about 0.5 time this fiscal from 0.6 time last year, and interest coverage to strengthen to nearly 5 times from about 4 times, added the release. The agency said improved cash generation should support stable sector credit profiles.
Argha Chanda, director, Crisil Ratings said: "Beyond the cyclical recovery, the industry stands to benefit from structural shifts towards sustainable materials." Crisil Ratings said growing environmental awareness, tighter rules on single-use plastics and rising preference for biodegradable alternatives are opening opportunities for jute-based products in geotextiles, agro-textiles, home décor, industrial packaging and other value-added segments. Value-added applications currently account for 12 per cent of revenue, offer better realisations and could become important long-term growth drivers, it said.
The recovery remains exposed to risks from the pace and sustainability of demand revival, particularly in export markets, the trajectory of raw jute prices, crop-related disruptions and changes in government policy support, added the release. Any sharp rise in raw jute prices could again pressure margins.
ICE cotton rebounds strongly after six-session losing streak
Tuesday, 22nd Sep 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights
December 2026 ICE cotton settled 2.80 per cent higher at 83.42 cents per pound after six sessions of losses.
China's State Reserve buying, broader commodity strength and China-US developments supported the rebound.
Weak US export demand, advancing harvest activity and drought-hit crop uncertainty kept expectations of a sustained reversal limited.
ICE cotton futures recovered sharply on Monday after six consecutive sessions of losses, supported by broader commodity-market strength, China–US developments and continued buying through China’s State Reserve auctions. However, weak US export demand and advancing harvest activity limited expectations of an immediate trend reversal.
The most-active December 2026 contract settled 227 points, or 2.80 per cent, higher at 83.42 cents per pound, marking its strongest daily increase since August 27. The contract touched an intraday high of 83.96 cents.
The rebound followed a cumulative decline of 707 points across the preceding six sessions. Although the recovery from Friday’s close of 81.15 cents renewed some bullish sentiment, the December contract remained around 9.72 cents below its August 31 closing high of 93.14 cents.
The broader futures board also strengthened, with other active contracts settling 110–247 points higher. The comparatively stronger performance of the front-month contracts indicated renewed buying interest at lower price levels. However, further follow-through would be needed before the move could be considered a sustained trend reversal.
Trading volume stood at 65,634 contracts, close to Friday’s 67,983 contracts and above the previous week’s daily average of 63,340 contracts. Open interest (OI) increased for the fourth consecutive session. It stood at 382,296 contracts at the beginning of Monday’s session, up by 423 contracts from the previous report and representing the fourth-highest level recorded.
China’s State Reserve auctions continued to record strong buying. Of the 8,211 tonnes offered on Sunday, 8,171 tonnes were sold. The entire Monday offering of 8,149.44 tonnes was also sold at an average price of 16,635.91 yuan ($2,479) per tonne.
Brazilian cotton and 20 per cent Xinjiang cotton highlighted the importance of imported fibre in China’s physical market. Chinese domestic cotton prices showed slight weakness. The China Cotton Index 3128B declined by 7 yuan ($1) to 17,381 yuan ($2,590) per tonne, while the 2129B index eased by 8 yuan ($1) to 17,731 yuan ($2,642) per tonne. Meanwhile, the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange’s January cotton contract settled 35 yuan ($5) higher at 15,870 yuan ($2,365) per tonne.
The wider recovery in commodity markets and developments involving China and the US also supported cotton futures. Reports that Chinese President Xi Jinping would undertake a state visit to the US on September 23–25 helped strengthen sentiment across equity and commodity markets.
However, the demand outlook remained subdued. US upland cotton export sales totalled 71,231 bales during the week ended September 10, down by 4 per cent from the previous week and approximately 30 per cent below the preceding four-week average. Upland cotton export shipments reached 142,076 bales.
On the supply side, the US harvest was estimated to be 13 per cent complete as of September 20, compared with 8 per cent a week earlier and 12 per cent during the corresponding period last year. The advancing harvest could increase the physical availability of the new crop.
Around 34 per cent of US cotton bolls had opened, compared with 36 per cent in the previous week and 47 per cent a year earlier. Meanwhile, approximately 65 per cent of the US cotton crop was reportedly affected by drought as of September 15, up from 63 per cent a week earlier and 41 per cent last year. Consequently, emerging information on crop yield and fibre quality will remain important for market direction.
Monday’s rally provided a significant technical recovery following the previous week’s steep losses. The market will now monitor whether buying can sustain the December contract above 83 cents alongside supportive volume and OI.
Cotton continues to face opposing factors. Weak export demand and increasing US harvest supplies remain bearish influences, while strong Chinese Reserve purchases, crop and weather uncertainty, and improved mill interest near 81–82 cents offer support.
This morning (Indian Standard Time), December 2026 cotton was trading at 83.52 cents per pound, up 0.10 per cent. Cash cotton rose 2.27 per cent to 80.92 cents, while the October 2026 contract increased 2.47 per cent to 79.85 cents. March 2027 was at 86.17 cents, up 0.09 per cent; May 2027 was at 87.68 cents, up 0.05 per cent; and July 2027 was at 87.54 cents, down 0.12 per cent.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Campaign: Ministry of Textiles and Its Organisations Undertake Cleanliness and Awareness Activities
Tuesday, 22nd Sep 2026, (Source: www.pib.gov.in)
Ministry of Textiles proudly announces the commencement of the Swachhta Hi Seva- 2026 Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at reinforcing the commitment to cleanliness and hygiene in everyday life. The campaign is celebrated across all organisations under the Ministry of Textiles from 17th September to 2nd October-2026.
This year’s theme, ‘Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat Viksit Bharat’, emphasizes celebrating cleanliness as a collective effort and festival of community involvement. Under this theme, the Ministry and its affiliated organizations will be conducting a series of initiatives focused on hygiene, environmental conservation, and civic awareness. Cleanliness drives will be carried out in office premises, campuses of educational institutions, public areas, encouraging active involvement from employees, students, civil society groups, local communities and public at large.
Ministry has carried out following activities with commencement of the campaign.
· Ministry of Textiles has conducted a Thematic Art Poster Making Competition on 18.09.2026 at GPOA-3 Netaji Nagar, New Delhi. All Division heads of the Ministry also visited various sections to review cleanliness and encouraged employees to adopt hygienic practices under Swachhata Hi Seva-2026. THE COTTON CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD-
Under the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign, the Corporation undertook comprehensive site beautification initiatives to transform public spaces into clean, attractive, and welcoming environments. Dedicated selfie points and creative installations were introduced to encourage citizens to interact with the campaign, capture photographs, and share their experiences on social media. The initiative promoted cleanliness awareness, strengthened citizen participation, and enhanced the visibility of the SHS campaign.
ACIMIT brings Italian textile technology expertise to TITAS 2026
Tuesday, 22nd Sep 2026, (Source: www.fibre2fashion.com)
Insights
Italian textile machinery makers will showcase flexible, sustainable and customised technologies at TITAS 2026 in Taipei from October 6 to 8.
Eleven companies will exhibit in the Italian Pavilion as Taiwan's demand for Italian equipment rebounds.
ACIMIT said the technologies could support manufacturers seeking resource efficiency, product quality and high-value production.
The excellence and innovative capabilities of Italian textile machinery technology are coming to Taipei for TITAS 2026 (Taiwan International Textile & Garment Machinery Show), the leading event for the island’s textile industry and the wider Asian region, scheduled to take place from 6 to 8 October 2026. Italy’s presence at this key event reflects its commitment to strengthening a long-standing and strategic relationship with a local manufacturing industry that has always placed great emphasis on quality and technological research.
The Taiwanese market is undergoing a period of profound transformation and evolution. Following a period of global adjustment, the beginning of 2026 saw an extraordinary and vigorous turnaround in exports by Italian machinery manufacturers to the island. This strong sign of renewed momentum confirms that Taiwan’s textile industry is actively seeking reliable technology partners to support its plans for recovery and modernisation.
The strength of Italian technologies lies in their ability to adapt with exceptional flexibility to the most sophisticated requirements. In Taiwan, where production has historically been concentrated in the upstream stages of the textile supply chain, Italian spinning solutions continue to account for by far the largest share of local interest, alongside solid demand for finishing machinery and related accessories. This concentration confirms that the flexibility and high degree of customisation offered by Italian technology are among the differentiating factors most highly valued by Taiwanese manufacturers, who need to diversify their production and develop high value-added market niches.
“The strong increase in Taiwanese demand recorded at the beginning of this year demonstrates the central role played by our technological solutions. In a landscape where operational flexibility and environmental sustainability have become essential requirements for competitiveness, Italian companies are coming to TITAS not merely as machinery suppliers, but as genuine technology partners. We are ready to support Taiwanese manufacturers with highly customized technologies capable of combining maximum resource efficiency with outstanding quality in the final product.” - Marco Salvadè, president, ACIMIT.
The Italian companies exhibiting in the Italian Pavilion are Color Service, Corino, Crosta, Danitech, Fadis, Ferraro, L.A.I.P., Lafer, Pozzi Leopoldo, Reggiani Macchine, Texera.
ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) was founded in 1945 with the primary aim of promoting the Italian textile machinery industry and supporting its activities both in Italy and abroad. ACIMIT represents an industrial sector comprising approximately 300 companies (employing nearly 13,000 people) and producing machinery worth a total of approximately €2.1 billion ($2.41 billion), around 86 per cent of which is exported. Creativity, sustainable technology, reliability and quality are the characteristics that have made Italian textile machinery a worldwide leader.
Unava Cotton Auction Opens at ₹2,525
Tuesday, 22nd Sep 2026, Yash Chouhan, (Source: www.smartinfoindia.com)
Cotton Auction Begins at Unava Market, Gujarat; Prices Reach ₹2,525
Gujarat: Cotton auctions have commenced at the Unava market yard near Unjha. On the first day, an arrival of 100 maunds of cotton was recorded. During the auction, the maximum price for cotton stood at ₹2,525 per maund, while the minimum price was recorded at ₹1,500 per maund.
Prakashbhai Patel, Chairman of the Unava APMC, was present at the auction alongside other directors.
In addition to cotton, other agricultural commodities were also auctioned at the market yard. A total of 341 bags of castor seeds arrived, with prices ranging between ₹1,500 and ₹1,525 per maund.
Mustard seeds were also auctioned; a total of 12 bags arrived, and the price was recorded at ₹1,480 per maund.
Thus, on the opening day of cotton auctions at the Unava market yard, castor seeds and mustard were auctioned alongside cotton.
The available information does not specify the cotton variety, quality, or the exact date of the auction; therefore, no additional estimates or claims regarding these details have been included in this report.
Maharashtra Sets up Cabinet Panel to Fast-Track Drought Relief, Preliminary Notification Expected by Saturday
Tuesday, 22nd Sep 2026, (Source: www.eng.ruralvoice.in)
Maharashtra has formed a cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to oversee drought relief, assess crop losses and expedite farmer assistance. The panel will meet weekly, while crop-damage panchnamas are being conducted to determine relief needs and seek central assistance. Drinking water and livestock fodder remain immediate priorities. The Maharashtra government on Tuesday constituted a cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to oversee the drought situation, assess crop losses and expedite relief measures for affected farmers.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the committee has been given cabinet-level powers and will meet every week to review reports from drought-hit areas and take decisions on measures required on the ground. Major policy matters, however, will continue to be placed before the full state cabinet.
The sub-committee includes ministers Girish Mahajan, Gulabrao Patil, Sanjay Rathod, Pankaja Munde, Dattatray Bharne, Jaikumar Gore, Pratap Sarnaik, Makarand Patil and Babasaheb Patil, among others. Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal will be its secretary.
Fadnavis said immediate action was needed as drought-like conditions have affected large parts of Maharashtra. Soybean, maize and cotton crops have suffered significant damage in several areas, while paddy in parts of Konkan and jowar have also been affected.
The government has ordered crop-loss assessments through panchnamas to establish the extent of damage and determine the assistance required by farmers. The assessments will also form the basis for seeking financial assistance from the Centre, where necessary.
“A preliminary notification on drought relief is expected by Saturday,” according to a brief of the cabinet decisions issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. Ministers will visit affected areas to assess conditions directly and help speed up the delivery of relief.
Fadnavis said the sub-committee would examine complaints and issue directions based on ground-level assessments. He also said he, along with the two deputy chief ministers, would review the committee’s reports every week and take decisions at the senior level. The chief minister is also expected to visit some drought-affected areas.
Ensuring drinking water and fodder availability has been identified as an immediate priority. The government said arrangements were being made through local bodies to maintain water supplies in affected areas and address the needs of livestock.
The cabinet also decided to withdraw the revised staffing structure of the agriculture department and temporarily retain the structure approved in 2009.
Before a fresh staffing proposal is prepared, the agriculture department will undertake a comprehensive assessment of its workload, manpower availability, vacant positions, cadre-wise requirements and field-level machinery. The review will also take into account the workload generated by farmer-focused schemes and future administrative requirements.
