CAI raises India’s cotton pressing estimate to 317 lakh bales
Revised projections reflect state-level updates and trade inputs.
The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has revised upwards its estimate of India’s total cotton pressing for the 2025–26 season to 317.00 lakh bales (170 kg each), with a margin of ±3 per cent, citing updated inputs from state associations and trade sources. The cotton season commenced on 1 October 2025.
The revised estimate was finalised during a virtual meeting of the CAI Crop Committee held on 13 January 2026, attended by 22 members representing key cotton-growing regions. Based on feedback from eleven state associations and market stakeholders, the committee reassessed state-wise pressing figures and prepared cotton balance sheets up to December 2025 and for the full crop year ending 30 September 2026.
Compared to the earlier estimate of 309.50 lakh bales, the national pressing figure has been raised by 7.50 lakh bales. The upward revision is largely driven by higher estimates for Telangana (+4.50 lakh bales) and Maharashtra (+3.00 lakh bales), along with increases in Karnataka (+1.00 lakh bales) and Tamil Nadu (+0.50 lakh bales). These gains were partially offset by reductions in Madhya Pradesh (-1.00 lakh bales) and Odisha (-0.50 lakh bales).
CAI has pegged India’s total cotton consumption for 2025–26 at 305.00 lakh bales, lower than 314.00 lakh bales recorded last season. Cotton imports have been maintained at 50.00 lakh bales, significantly higher than last year’s 41.00 lakh bales, while exports have been reduced to 15.00 lakh bales.
Total cotton supply for the season is estimated at 427.59 lakh bales, supported by higher opening stocks and imports. As a result, the closing stock as on 30 September 2026 is projected at 107.59 lakh bales, substantially higher than the previous year, indicating comfortable availability in the domestic market.
CAI noted that cotton pressing trends will continue to be closely monitored, with further revisions possible in subsequent monthly reports.
