India: Cotton Keeps Growing
12 March 2007 The area forecast is 9.25 million hectares (Ha), which is up 380,000 (4%) from last year. The increase in production is based on higher than expected market arrivals. Cotton arrivals to date have tracked above last season in all production regions. Total market arrivals for India through March 3 are estimated at 16.8 million bales, compared to 14.1 million bales for the same period last year.
The area estimate of 9.25 million Ha is the compilation of State government data. According to the FAS/New Delhi Office of Agricultural Affairs, cotton planting for the 2006/07 season increased to 9.25 million Ha as a result of strong cotton prices and positive returns received by farmers in 2005/06.
It is widely accepted that the strong upward trend in India’s cotton yield in recent years is a direct result of the increasing adoption of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton. Given the continuing development of optimally suited Bt varieties for the various production zones within India and the year-to-year increase of Bt area, a record yield of 506 kilograms per Ha is forecast for the season. Bt varieties are not typically higher yielding than other quality hybrids or non-GMO varieties, but a yield advantage is realized in India and other developing countries through the significant reduction of yield losses due to bollworms.
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