GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 5254

ANSWERED ON:05.09.2011

PRICES AND EXPORT OF RAW COTTON

MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI

(a) the details of raw cotton produced in the country alongwith its price during the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether the targets fixed for export of cotton have been achieved during the said period;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government proposes to frame any policy on export of cotton in the country; and

(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard and if not, the reasons therefor?

Will the Minister of TEXTILESbe pleased to state:-

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) : Cotton production in the country during the last three years and the current year is as under:-

Cotton Season Cotton Production (Oct.-Sept.) (in lakh bales)

2007-08 307.00

2008-09 290.00

2009-10 295.00

2010-11 325.00

The monthly average price of seed cotton (kapas) varieties for the last three cotton seasons are at Annexure-I.

(b): No export targets were set in the said period. The Cotton Advisory Board (CAB) develops the cotton balance sheet which indicates the exportable surplus.

(c): Cotton exports are currently on Open General Licence (OGL) without quantitative limits. Cotton season 2010-11 had a quantitative ceiling of 55 lakh bales cotton exports imposed in September, 2010 which was raised to 65 lakh bales in June, 2011 and subsequently the quantitative limit was removed in August 2011, owing to significant demand contraction.

(d): Cotton exports are on OGL without quantitative ceiling in 2010-11 cotton season, which will continue to September, 2011.

(e): The Cotton Advisory Board (CAB) met on August 30, 2011 to formulate a balance sheet for 2011-12 cotton season. CAB estimated production of 355 lakh bales, consumption of 264 lakh bales, export of 70 lakh bales and closing stock of 56.5 lakh bales for cotton season 2011- 12.Inputs of the CAB will be used for formulating the cotton export policy for 2011-12.