Cotton fields ready to be harvested in contrast to blue sky and white clouds in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil | Photo Credit: Leila Melhado

The state-run Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has sold over half of the natural fibre procured in the 2025-26 season at the minimum support price, driven by strong demand from mills and traders. The CCI procured 105 lakh bales (170 kg each) this season, up from 100.16 lakh bales last year.

As of Monday, CCI’s sales had crossed 55 lakh bales, said Lalit Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director. Steady offtake over the past two months, despite a rally in global prices, underscores robust demand from both mills and the trade.

On Tuesday, the CCI raised its selling price by ₹200 per candy (356 kg), taking the total increase this week to ₹800.

Last week, prices were raised by ₹1,500 per candy. The cumulative hike this season exceeds ₹6,000. “From a low of about ₹55,000 per candy, current prices are around ₹61,000,” Gupta said. “Even after the increase, our prices remain the cheapest globally,” he added.

International prices have risen over 25 per cent, while domestic prices have gained 15-20 per cent. Domestic rates are still 2-3 per cent lower than global levels, which are about ₹63,500-64,000.

The CCI’s price revisions track the global uptrend. Since early March, international prices have climbed nearly 30 per cent. Cotton futures on the ICE rose from about 62 cents per pound in early March to over 80 cents, hovering around 81 cents for July delivery on Tuesday.

Despite the successive price hikes, sales remained strong, with CCI stocks dropping below 50 lakh bales. “Mill demand is firm, with yarn orders tied up for the next 3-4 months. Mills will continue to cover their requirements,” Gupta said.

Published on April 21, 2026