The size of the cotton crop during the 2016-17 season, starting October 1, is likely to be similar to the current yearΆs level, despite a 10 per cent decline in acreage, largely on account of productivity gains.

In its first estimate, the Cotton Association of India (CAI), the apex trade body of the fibre crop, has pegged the output for the year starting October 2016 at 336 lakh bales of 170 kg each.

In the current year, cotton production has been pegged at 337.75 lakh bales (as of July end).

CAI President Dhiren N Sheth, in a statement, said that productivity is likely to be higher during the 2016-17 season due to better weather conditions across all growing regions.

Zone-wise data
According to CAI, major growth in output is expected in the Central Zone, consisting of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where production is expected to be 195 lb against last seasonΆs 183.50 lb.

Similarly, in the North Zone — comprising Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan — production is likely to see a marginal increase at 42 lb (39.75 lb), despite a drop in acreage.

In the South Zone, consisting of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the output is seen declining by about 13 per cent to around 93 lb (107.50 lb), largely on account of a drop in acreages in States such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Acreage dips
In the ongoing kharif sowing season, cotton has been planted so far on about 102.78 lakh hectares as on August 28 against 112.68 lakh hectares in the corresponding period last year.

Major States that have reported a lower acreage include Gujarat at 23.56 lh (27.30 lh) and Telangana at 12.50 lh (16.33 lh). However, in Maharashtra, the acreage has increased by around 1 lakh hectares to 39 lh.