Cotton consumption increase over production in 2009-10

According to sources from Cotton Advisory Board, the cotton consumption in the country is set to go beyond production this year 2009-10. Cotton supplies are just over 29.5 million bales while the consumption is expected around 33.3 million bales ( 1 bale = 170 kgs). However, the industry carries 7.0 million bales in rolling stock. The cotton crop had been hit over pests, bollworms, fungus and herbs. Despite the 11% increase in cotton acreage, the production dwindles. There had been no innovation in cotton seeds except Bt cotton and this results in stagnant supplies. Cotton productivity also depends on no. of factors like even distribution of rainfall, right start of monsoon etc.,