Jalgaon: Cotton Production Likely To Fall 50-60% Amid Prolonged Dry Spell

Jalgaon, a district renowned for its vast cotton fields, is facing a potential 50-60% drop in rain-fed cotton production due to an ongoing dry spell. The Agriculture Department predicts a sharp decline in cotton yield, which is crucial for the district's economy. Typically, cotton is grown over 5.5 lakh hectares annually, but this year, farmers have reduced sowing to 4.35 lakh hectares due to poor market prices.

Despite favorable early rains, the prolonged dry spell has significantly impacted crop yield. Additionally, the decline in cotton production is expected to affect the ginning and pressing industry, which employs thousands of workers and contributes to government revenue through taxes. With cotton production projected to fall to around 8-9 lakh bales, compared to the usual 15 lakh bales, ginning factories may need to operate on a single shift.

This production drop could also lead to shortages in oil extraction units, potentially causing a shortage of raw materials from cotton seeds. Local farmers and industry officials are closely monitoring the situation, wary of the impact on employment and the overall economy.