India may allow additional export of 1.5 million bales (170 kg each) this year adding up to a total export of 7 million bales (170 kg each). Earlier the government has capped the export of cotton at 5.5 million bales (170 kg each). Mr. Kishore Tiwari, President of Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS), which is a farmer support group, noted the latest statement from the Gujarat State Congress party.

According to the communication, Gujarat State’s Congress party delegation led by Mr. Arjun Modhwadia met with the Indian Textile Minister Mr. Dayanidhi Maran and the Indian Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on May 19th to demand an increase in the cotton export quota. The textile minister has accepted the demand to allow the export of additional 1.5 million bales (170 kg each) which will enhance the total export limit to 7 million bales (170 kg each), this year.

In his communication Mr. Tiwari, President of VJAS emphasized the urgent need for central government’s intervention and demanded immediate lifting of all export restrictions for raw cotton and yarns so that farmers can get higher price.

India’s Textile Minister is expected to convene India’s Cotton Advisory Board meeting soon to allow the export of additional 1.5 million bales of 170 kg each, said the Gujarat state congress party statement.

At the time of this reporting, there has been no official release from the Ministry of Textiles, India with regard to additional exports of cotton.