(a) whether the quantum of cotton imports was higher during the season from October, 2016 to September, 2017 and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Cotton Board estimated imports at 17 lakh bales in October, 2016 revising the same to 26 lakh bales and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the cotton position is comfortable in the country and the imports are up this year; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI AJAY TAMTA)
(a): Yes, Madam. As per Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), Kolkata report, the quantum of cotton imports during the season from October 2016 to September 2017 has increased by around 35.7% to 30.93 lakh bales as against 22.79 lakh bales of previous year.
(b): Yes, Madam. The Cotton Advisory Board (CAB), in its first meeting for season 2016-17 held on 24.10.2016 had estimated the cotton imports at 17 lakh bales. Thereafter, based on the latest inputs, the import estimates were revised to 26 lakh bales which has also been revised to 30.94 lakh bales in the meeting held on 12.12.2017.
(c) & (d): As per Cotton Advisory Board (CAB) meeting held on 12.12.2017, during current cotton season 2017-18 (October 2017 to September 2018), the cotton production in the Country is estimated to increase by 9% to 377 lakh bales as against 345 lakh bales of previous cotton season. However, imports are estimated to decrease to 17 lakh bales as against 30.94 lakh bales of cotton season 2016-17.
After taking into account the opening stock of 47.81 lakh bales plus production of 377 lakh bales and imports of 17 lakh bales, the total availability of cotton in the Country during current cotton season 2017-18 is estimated at 441.81 lakh bales. The total domestic consumption is estimated as 334 lakh bales. Therefore, there is sufficient availability of cotton in the Country.
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