CARDS forecast cotton price

Coimbatore, Aug 1 (UNI) The domestic and export market intelligence cell of the Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies (CARDS) of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has forecasted the cotton price to be in the range of Rs 1900-2100 per quintal and for LRA 5166 of average quality during December and January next.

According to a CARDS study, the cotton production in the country may reach 250 lakh bales during the current year (2006-07). The decline in area in the US an upwards consumption trend in China favoured India, as one of the leading exporters of cotton.

The price of Indian cotton was 4.5 cents less than international cotton price per 218 kg. Hence, countries like China, Bangladesh and the Middle East have inclination towards Indian cotton. Howver, India will continue to import Extra Long Staple (ELS) and quality long staple cotton, the study said.

With occasional imports of medium staple cotton when international price are favourable, India's demand for ELS cotton is 12 lakh bales and supply is 6-7 lakh bales.

Similarly, the maize price was expected to be Rs 575 to 600 per quintal during November-December 2006, as the maize sown in August will be harvested, the study said, adding that in Tamil Nadu, maize is an important millet. Generally, maize is cultivated under rainfed conditions and accounted for 71.2 per cent (1,60,159 hectare) of the total area under other millets. The price will hover around Rs 23-25 per kg during September to November 2006, the study added.

The study said Gingelly is the major oilseed crop grown under rainfed conditions in almost all the states in India. Tamil Nadu contributed 51 per cent of the state area and 55 per cent of the production. More than 80 per cent of the crop is cultivated as khariff crop in Tamil Nadu.

While the sowing of the khariff crop is taken up during the month of June to August, harvesting will be done from September to November. Based on these price, the farmers have been requested to take up sowing decision, CARDS added.

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