New data released by the Indian Cotton Company on November 2 revealed a significant 23.5% increase in cotton arrivals in the local market during October, despite a sluggish start to the month. This surge highlights growing confidence among producers and traders as the season progresses. According to comprehensive media reports, the Indian Cotton Corporation's figures showed that from October 1 to 30, the volume of cotton reaching the market rose sharply. As of October 30, a total of 2.1 million bales had been delivered—equivalent to 170 kg per bale—which is up from 1.7 million bales in the same period last year. Key regions saw notable increases: Western Maharashtra, India’s second-largest cotton-producing state, reported a rise from 175,000 to 365,000 bales. Gujarat, the country’s top producer, saw an increase from 540,000 to 560,000 bales. In Andhra Pradesh, a southern state, cotton arrivals jumped from 80,000 to 194,000 bales. India remains the world’s second-largest cotton producer and exporter. As of October 30, daily cotton arrivals surged from around 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 supply has increased, prices are likely to remain strong due to high demand. Traders are eager to export, with India allowing the export of 5.5 million bales starting November 1 this marketing year. “Logistics for cotton shipments are in full swing,” he said, adding that major destinations include China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Recent months have seen a sharp rise in domestic cotton demand, driven by an expected harvest in India, while production in key competitors like China and Pakistan is forecast to fall due to flooding. Over the past three months, local cotton prices have climbed nearly 40%, reaching 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 growth is expected to further strengthen India’s position in the global cotton market.