Ginning Industry Is Thriving In Gujarat

Industry news

Ginning Industry Is Thriving In Gujarat

During the 2020-21 season, ginning units across the state pressed 89.65 lakh bales (170 kg per bale) compared to last season's 86.56 bales, says Arvind Patel, vice-president of Saurashtra Ginners Association. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the cotton season for over 700 ginning and pressing units in Gujarat concluded on a positive note in June following continuous demand from cotton yarn manufacturers. Says Patel, "During the entire season, we witnessed encouraging demand from yarn manufacturers. Besides, there was good export demand for cotton. Ginners in Gujarat are expecting a similar upcoming season in wake of queries from international buyers." Currently, 99% of the total ginning units have closed their activities till the fresh arrival of cotton from September. Farmers have emptied their stock. Around 1.5 lakh bales are still lying with ginning units which they are selling at higher rates. Cotton prices are hovering around Rs 53,500 per candy (356.5 kg) which is the highest in the past eight years, claims Patel. During 2020-21, cotton sowing was lower by almost two lakh hectares compared to the 2019-2020 season from 26 lakh hectares to 24 lakh hectares as farmers preferred groundnut over cotton. "We are expecting an increase in cotton sowing area by 8 to 10% this season. It means ginning units across Gujarat will have adequate raw material right from September. Ginners are also anticipating huge demand from spinners considering the global demand for cotton yarn," he said.