(a) whether the production of cotton has been declining in the country over the years;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the textiles industry has been affected due to increase in production cost and shortage of cotton; 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. *278 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.08.2017.
(a) & (b): No, Madam. The trend is a mixed one over the last decade. While cotton production in 2008-09 declined over 2007-08, it increased continuously till 2013-14 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. Thereafter, it declined for two years. In the current cotton year 2016-17, production is expected to be higher than last year. Year-wise details of production of cotton during last 10 years are given below:-
Cotton Year Cotton Production
(in lakh bales of 170 Kg each)
2007-08 307
2008-09 290
2009-10 305
2010-11 339
2011-12 367
2012-13 370
2013-14 398
2014-15 386
2015-16 338
2016-17(P) 351
Source: Cotton Advisory Board
Reason for decrease in production during cotton year 2014-15 and 2015-16 are as follows:-
• During 2014-15, due to untimely rains in Northern & Central region, cotton production in the Country reduced to 386 lakh bales as against 398 lakh bales in 2013-14.
• During cotton season 2015-16, due to white fly pest attack in Northern region, pink boll worm attack in Gujarat region, delayed rains in Central & Southern region and deficit rains all across the Cotton growing areas, cotton production decreased by around 12% to 338 lakh bales in comparison to 2014-15.
(c): No, Madam.
(d): Does not arise.
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