(a) whether the cotton production for this season is less as compared to the previous season, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the domestic cotton prices are low as compared to the international prices; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF TEXTILES
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *152 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2018.
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. For the cotton season 2017-18 (1st October 2017 to 30th September 2018), the cotton production in the country is estimated at 361 lakh bales which is less by 2.43% as compared to the previous season production of 370 lakh bales. In particular Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the production estimate of cotton for the current cotton season 2018-19 is lower by 2.44% and 3.64% respectively as compared to the previous cotton season on account of decline in area for cotton. The data on cotton production as assessed by the Cotton Advisory Board for the current cotton season 2018-19 (1st October 2018 to 30th September 2019) as against previous cotton season 2017-18 is given below:-
State Area under cotton
(in lakh hectares) Production
(in lakh bales)
2017-18 2018-19 % Decrease 2017-18 2018-19 % Decrease
Andhra Pradesh 6.44 5.51 14.44% 20.50 20 2.44%
Telangana 18.97 17.94 5.43% 55 53 3.64%
India 124.29 122.38 1.54% 370 361 2.43%
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. The domestic prices are low as compared to the International prices by 2% to 5%. Statement showing comparison of fortnightly domestic cotton prices of Shankar-6 variety (28 mm) and International prices is as under:
Date Domestic cotton prices
Difference
Spot Rates Rs./candy as per CCI Average cost (Rs./candy)
Total Domestic Rates
Rs/candy International Rates Rs/candy Rs./ candy % increase/ decrease
(1) (2) (1+2)
01/10/18 46050 2000 48050 49098 -1048 -2.13%
15/10/18 46550 2000 48550 50741 -2191 -4.32%
30/10/18 46750 2000 48750 50325 -1575 -3.13%
01/11/18 46450 2000 48450 50024 -1574 -3.15%
15/11/18 46150 2000 48150 48782 -632 -1.30%
03/12/18 44650 2000 46650 47663 -1013 -2.13%
10/12/18 44350 2000 46350 49499 -3149 -6.36%
Source: Domestic Prices: CCI Branches & Trade; International Prices: Cotlook ‘A’ Index
(1 Candy= 355.62 kgs)
******