The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has estimated the country's cotton production to reach 309 lakh bales in the 2023-24 season. Earlier it was estimated at 294 lakh bales. Due to the higher price in the country compared to the world market, the exports have also declined. CAI in its earlier estimate estimated the production of 294 lakh bales (a bale of 170 kg) in the country. It has revised its estimate to produce 309 lakh bales. Despite the increase in production, exports from the country have slowed down due to the global recession, the closure of the Suez Canal due to the Israel-Hamas war, the Russia-Ukraine tension and the country's good price vis-à-vis the world market. About 70 to 80 lakh bales were being exported from the country around 2011. In the last few years, this export has come to 42 lakh bales. This year, it is estimated to export only 20 lakh bales. Last week, the price per quintal went up to an average of Rs.750 to Rs.8000. It has decreased somewhat. But, despite the increase in cotton production, on the other hand domestic consumption has increased. Therefore, cotton prices are expected to remain stable at an average of eight thousand quintals. According to the CIA, exports were 1.5 lakh bales at the end of February, which is now estimated to go up to 20-22 lakh bales. Despite the increase in cotton production across the country, the quality of cotton has declined due to the lack of monsoon rains. Demand for cotton from mills has declined due to reduced tensile strength of yarn produced from cotton in Karnataka and Vidarbha. Compared to that, the quality of cotton from Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli in Marathwada is good. But, farmers are selling last season's leftover cotton with this season's cotton. Ashok Swamy, President of the State Co-operative Textile Industry Federation informed that the quality of yarn is decreasing due to this.