Question : REVISION IN COTTON PRODUCTION ESTIMATES

(a) whether the Government has revised the cotton production estimates for the year 2014-15;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;

(c) whether domestic production of textile mills has been increasing whereas the export of production is decreasing and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the export of cotton is expected to revive to make available cotton to domestic mills and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the cost of Indian cotton is higher than the International prices and if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor including the steps taken to bring the cost of Indian cotton at par with international prices?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) & (b): Yes Madam. Due to untimely rains / hail storm across the country, cotton crop prospects were adversely impacted particularly in Central zone. Due to switching over from other competing crops, cultivation of cotton in Southern zone was expected to increase further. Accordingly, the cotton production estimates have been revised from 400 lakh bales to 390 lakh bales for the year 2014-15.

(c): The domestic production as well as the exports of textile mills is increasing as per details below:-

 Items	Unit	(April-Feb) (Prov.)	Percentage growth	2014-15	2013-14 Production Yarns	Mn. Kg	6153	6040	1.9 Fabrics	Mn. Sq. Mtr.	58803	57395	2.5 Items	Unit	(April- Dec) (Prov.)	Percentage growth	2014-15	2013-14 Exports	Mn. US $	27699.90	26431.51	4.8 (Yarn & Fabrics)