MUMBAI (Commoditiescontrol) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in its weekly crop progress report for the week ended 5th October, 2015, stated that nearly 77 percent of U.S cotton crop reached bolls opening stage, higher than 72 percent in the last year same time, but below five year average of 78 percent.
The report showed that 15 percent of the crop is rated poor/very poor compared to 13 percent of last week, and 20 percent a year ago period.
About 48 percent of the crop is rated good/excellent, below 50 percent a week ago but above 47 percent of last year, the report showed.
According to the report, 16 percent crop reached harvesting stage, which is above last year’s level of 14 percent and below five year average of 18 percent.
In South Carolina, historic rainfall and floods, began Thursday last week, have worsened everyday life of people in the region. The heavy rain has inundating many streets and fields, potentially damaging yields and crop quality. There are reports of cotton crop being submerged in fields. While the areas in and around Carolina make up just 5 percent of overall U.S. cotton acreage, they are important due to their proximity to the downstream U.S. textile industry, as per market analyst.
Nevertheless, once the rain departs the Carolinas, a stretch of dry weather will be in place through at least the upcoming weekend.
Cotton crop in West Texas is maturing and being defoliated across the region. Weather departments foresee favorable conditions for cotton during the next 5 days. Favorable conditions for cotton continue across California. Harvest should begin soon with 4/5ths of the crop having open boll here.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-22-40015532)