China : Bumper harvest expected from cotton belt this year

Reports suggest that cotton planting area this year increased 5.05 million mu ( one hectare = 15 mu) , up 6.7 percent, reaching 80.95 million mu. The expanded cotton area contributed 50 percent to the total production. Yield recorded was 80 kgs per mu, setting an all time high, up 6.3 percent over last year, contributing 50 percent to the total output.

This year, cotton production in the three major producing areas of Yangtze River reaches, Yellow River reaches and northwest region all increased; especially Huanghuai plain and Nanyang basin recorded a low output after three successive years.

Besides, cotton yield and the total agro production; both set new historical highs reaching 6.505 million tons, up 14.1 percent over last year, representing a growth of 800,000 tons, exceeding the previous records of 1984 ( of 6.25 million tons) and 2004 ( of 6.32 million tons).

High quality cotton output, particularly Grade III and commercial cotton above it achieved 70 percent output, up 20 percent over recent years. Fiber mature degree is also excellent, while color luster appears purely white.
 
Fibre2fashion News Desk - China