CAI Raises India’s Cotton Pressing Estimate to 324 Lakh Bales

April 12, 2026 | By Textile Sphere India

Revised outlook reflects updated inputs from key cotton states.

 The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has revised upward its estimate of India’s total cotton pressing for the 2025-26 season to 324.00 lakh bales (+/-3%), reflecting fresh inputs from cotton-growing regions and market sources. The 2025-26 cotton season began on October 1, 2025.

The updated estimate was finalised during a virtual meeting of the CAI Crop Committee held on April 10, 2026, attended by 21 members representing major cotton-producing regions across the country. The committee reviewed feedback from eleven cotton-growing state associations along with other trade sources before revising the state-wise cotton pressing outlook.

At the meeting, the committee increased the overall estimate by 3.50 lakh bales compared to the earlier projection of 320.50 lakh bales. The revised figure of 324.00 lakh bales of 170 kg each is equivalent to 340.00 lakh running bales of 162 kg each. Earlier, CAI had pegged the estimate at 336.33 lakh running bales of 162 kg each.

The upward revision was largely driven by significant changes in state-level projections. While Maharashtra recorded an increase of 7.00 lakh bales, estimates for Gujarat were reduced by 3.00 lakh bales. Madhya Pradesh also saw a slight decline of 0.50 lakh bales. Overall, the combined changes resulted in a net increase of 3.50 lakh bales in the national estimate.

CAI said the Crop Committee will continue to closely monitor cotton pressing trends in the coming months. Any further adjustments, depending on developments on the ground, will be reflected in CAI’s upcoming monthly reports.

#TAGS Cotton Association of India, CAI, cotton-growing regions, cotton season, CAI Crop Committee, Madhya Pradesh,