The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has estimated that India's cotton output will reach 302.25 lakh bales, with each bale weighing 170 kg, for the ongoing 2024-25 season (October-September). This output is anticipated to drop by approximately 7 percent, since CAI had projected a production of 325.22 lakh bales last season. The Indian government has estimated the production to be 299.26 lakh bales for this season. 

Nonetheless, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has estimated India's cotton output significantly increased at 320 lakh bales of 170 kg (25 million bales of 480 pounds) in its December 2024 WASDE report.

CAI indicated that cotton output in northern India, including Punjab, Haryana, and both upper and lower Rajasthan, could drop to 34 lakh bales this season from 45.62 lakh bales. Output in the central region, which includes Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, could decrease from 202.21 lakh bales to 189 lakh bales. In contrast, cotton production in South India is projected to increase modestly to 74 lakh bales, up from 73.85 lakh bales during the previous season.

The overall cotton supply by the end of November 2024 is projected to be 108.41 lakh bales, comprising 69.22 lakh bales of production, 9 lakh bales of imports, and an initial stock of 30.19 lakh bales at the onset of the season.

Additionally, CAI has projected cotton usage until the end of November 2024 to be 54 lakh bales. Export shipments until November 30, 2024, are projected to reach 4 lakh bales. The forecast for the stock at the close of November 2024 is 50.41 lakh bales.