The Cotton Association of India (CAI) on Monday said it has estimated the cotton crop at 353.25 lakh bales for the crop season 2012-13 as against 373.25 lakh bales in 2011-12. As per the December estimates of the cotton crop for season 2012-13, the CAI estimates 353.25 lakh bales, CAI president Dhiren N Sheth in a statement in Mumbai.

"The cotton crop continues to look promising this year despite the reduction in acreage," Sheth said. The arrivals as on December 31, 2012 are placed at 102.50 lakh bales. As per the state-wise crop production data, Gujarat and Maharashtra are estimated to produce 80 lakh bales each in 2012-13. Gujarat had crop production of 114 lakh bales, while Maharashtra had 72 lakh bales in 2012-13.

Among other leading producers, crop production in Andhra Pradesh is expected to increase from 58 lakh bales in 2011-12 to 73 lakh bales in 2012-13. Haryana is likely to produce 22 lakh bales (27.50 lakh bales in previous year) and Punjab 15 lakh bales (18 lakh bales).

The projected balance-sheet drawn by the CAI for 2012-13 estimated the total cotton supply at 418.46 lakh bales, while the domestic consumption is estimated at 271 lakh bales, thus leaving an available surplus of 147.46 lakh bales.

"Meanwhile, it is also heartening to note that the cotton-mill sector is performing well despite of the power-cuts in South India," the CAI said. The association has welcomed government's plans on raising the cap on registrations allotted to an individual exporter to 30,000 bales from 10,000 bales.

"The CAI will continue to make efforts to do away with the ceiling and registration of cotton exports altogether, the release added.