The Indian Cotton Company released data on November 2 showing a significant increase in cotton arrivals in the local market during October, despite a sluggish start to the season. From October 1 to 30, the volume of cotton entering the market rose by 23.5%, signaling a strong recovery in supply. According to reports from Comprehensive Media, the data highlights that as of October 30, 2.1 million bales of cotton—each weighing 170 kg—were available in the market, up from 1.7 million bales during the same period last year. This surge reflects improved production and better harvests across key cotton-growing regions. In western Maharashtra, India’s second-largest cotton-producing state, arrivals jumped from 175,000 to 365,000 bales. Gujarat, the country's top producer, saw an increase from 540,000 to 560,000 bales. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh in the south experienced a dramatic rise, with arrivals climbing from 80,000 to 194,000 bales. India is the world’s second-largest cotton producer and exporter. As of October 30, daily cotton arrivals had risen from about 75,000 bales in mid-October to 200,000 bales. The cotton marketing year runs from October 1 to September 30. A. Ramani, Secretary of the Cotton Association of Southern India, noted that although the volume has increased, cotton prices are likely to remain firm due to strong demand. Traders are eager to export, especially as India has permitted the export of 5.5 million bales starting November 1 of this marketing year. Logistics for cotton shipments are now in full swing, with major destinations including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Over the past few months, demand for Indian cotton has surged, driven by expected harvests in India, while production in other major cotton producers like China and Pakistan is forecasted to decline due to flooding. Local cotton prices have risen by approximately 40% over the last three months, reaching around Rs.41,600 per 356 kg. India is projected to produce a record 32.5 million bales of cotton in the 2010/11 season, a 10% increase from the previous year, thanks to expanded planting areas and favorable monsoon rains. This boost in production is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global cotton market.