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Commodities Agri
Commodities Sustainable Natural Rubber Forum charts 2030 vision for resilient, sustainable sector
The Sustainable Natural Rubber Forum 2026 in Kochi, convened by ANRPC and hosted by the Rubber Board, outlined a digital, smallholder-centred vision for natural rubber by 2030. India's BSNR platform has mapped 56,000 hectares with a 150,000-hectare target, while the INROAD project has invested ₹1,100 crore in tribal smallholders. Stakeholders stressed EUDR readiness, traceability and climate-positive carbon credit potential.
Commodities Global Palm Oil Prices Seen Surging on Narrow Production Surplus
Global palm oil prices are set to rise as the 2026-27 season production surplus narrows from 2025-26, with BMI lifting its 2026 CPO price forecast to MYR4,453/tonne. Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate and El Nino risks tighten export supply, while Rabobank sees elevated prices through 2031. Buyers face sourcing challenges and tighter fundamentals.
Sugar leaves bitter taste as retailers impose caps
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Commodities India's Lower Sugar Quota for Domestic Sales Failed to Tame Demand, Says Industry
India's lower monthly sugar sales quotas failed to tame demand, with wholesale prices surging to Rs 6,036 per quintal by August 26, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Mills dispatched 7% more sugar than allotted between October 2025 and May 2026, while ISMA estimates closing stocks at just 36 lakh tonnes by September 30.
Commodities Indian retail, mill gate sugar prices drop after nearly two-month rally
Sugar prices in India declined in mill-gate and retail markets on Monday after a nearly two-month rally, following government measures including duty-free raw sugar imports of 1 million tonnes and tighter stock limits for bulk users. Ex-mill S-30 grade prices in Maharashtra fell over 10 per cent from the August 20 peak. Global raw and white sugar futures also weakened.
Commodities Onion prices surge 45% YoY; Centre to roll out Kanda Express from Monday
Average onion prices in India rose to Rs 42/kg on Saturday, 45% higher than a year ago, prompting the Centre to run Kanda Express trains from Nasik to Delhi, Chennai, Kochi and Guwahati. NAFED and NCCF have procured 1.2 lakh tonnes as buffer stock, while Maharashtra's kharif onion output is reported down 5-7%. Sugar prices also firmed to Rs 62.5/kg in the national retail market.
Commodities India's rice exports to 26 priority markets outpace three-year average
India's rice exports to 26 priority markets totalled ₹23,476 crore and 4.79 million tonnes between November 2025 and March 2026, exceeding the three-year average by 1.1% in value and 5.6% in volume. Eleven of 26 markets saw year-on-year growth in both value and volume, led by the UAE. The industry is shifting toward promoting specific Indian rice varieties through culinary pairings at BIRC 2026.
Commodities Sugar Falls as Weaker India Prices Curb Import Expectations
Raw sugar futures fell as much as 3% in New York to 17.13 cents/lb and white sugar dropped 3.9% in London after easing local prices in India reduced expectations for imports. India's new 1 million-ton duty-free import allowance and a redirection of advance-imported sugar reduce the need for fresh cargoes, according to analysts. Dry weather in Brazil and slipping crude prices add to bearish sentiment.
Commodities Crystal Crop launches DOMINARIS solution for management of downy mildew in grapes
Crystal Crop Protection Ltd has launched DOMINARIS, a technology-led solution for managing downy mildew in grapes. The product features a dual mode of action, strong acropetal movement and rain fastness, and is designed to protect foliage and support uniform bunch development. Company executives said it helps safeguard crop health, quality and profitability for grape growers.
Commodities India's rice exports to 26 markets rise despite challenges; BIRC 2026 to drive diversification
India's rice exports to a 26-market basket reached Rs 23,476 crore, with volumes of 4.79 million tonnes in the November-March period, beating the prior three-year average. Growth was led by the UAE, Belgium and Germany, with 11 of 26 markets rising in both value and volume. BIRC 2026 aims to shift India from volume-led to application-led rice export diversification, including an ITC Hotels-curated Global Rice Festival.
Commodities UP Sugarcane Dues: Over 94% of Farmer Payments Cleared in Current Season
Uttar Pradesh has cleared over 94% of sugarcane dues to farmers in the current crushing season, with 99 sugar mills achieving 100% payment. An official statement from the Cane Development Department reported record crushing of 9,220 lakh tonnes over nine years and direct transfer of Rs 3.25 lakh crore to farmers, alongside higher productivity and sugar recovery rates.
Commodities Indian Agriculture Minister asks ICAR to tackle onion price gap
India's all-India modal onion price reached Rs 50/kg on Tuesday, with Punjab and Delhi prices up 130% and 83% respectively over three months. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked ICAR to reduce the farm-retail price gap and questioned trader-driven inflation. The government is dispatching buffer-stock onions via 'Kanda Express' rail rakes to sell at Rs 35/kg in Delhi, amid a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tonnes for 2026.
Commodities Blueberry nutrition seminar in Chennai draws over 100 health and food professionals
The US Highbush Blueberry Council held its Nutrition Seminar 2026 in Chennai, bringing together more than 100 nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare professionals, food processors and R&D experts. Speakers reviewed latest research on anthocyanins and blueberry health benefits, showcased culinary applications across Indian formats, and discussed translating scientific findings into dietary guidance for Indian consumers.
Commodities TNAU forecasts ₹65-70/kg groundnut prices at harvest
TNAU's DEMIC has forecast groundnut prices at ₹65-70 a kg for the upcoming harvest, based on 25 years of price data from Tindivanam and Sevur markets. India, the world's second-largest groundnut producer, harvested 119.42 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while trade sources expect arrivals to decline amid monsoon fluctuations.
Commodities Sugar ex-mill prices fall 18% to Rs 55 per kg after record high
Ex-mill sugar prices in India fell 18% to Rs 55 per kg after touching a record Rs 67 per kg last week, according to a Business Today report. Food secretary Sanjeev Chopra attributed the drop to the government's decision to allow sugar imports and action against hoarding and speculation. Production for 2025-26 is estimated at 306 lakh tonnes, against annual domestic demand of 280-285 lakh tonnes.
Commodities 'Resale' sugar prices drop in India even as retail rates soar to a new high
Resale sugar prices in key Indian states dropped ₹400-500 a quintal after the government allowed 1 million tonnes of raw sugar imports, while retail prices rose to a record ₹58.15 per kg. Global raw and white sugar futures also slipped, and production estimates for 2026-27 were trimmed to ~306 lakh tonnes.
Commodities Somerset cider apple crop decimated by drought, producers warn
Somerset's cider apple orchards have been 'decimated' by drought, with producers like Honey's Cider seeing only 10% of a normal crop. Neil MacDonald lost half his apples before ripening, and Rich's Cider will skip harvesting one orchard. Strong summer cider sales have emptied tanks, leaving makers unable to refill them for next year.
Commodities Agrograde installs automated onion grading system at Pimpalgaon market in Nashik
Agrograde has installed its GradePlus Pro automated onion grading system at a farmer producer company in Pimpalgaon, Nashik district. The system processes up to 10 tonnes per hour, cuts grading labour by nearly 80%, and brings grading costs to almost ₹0.05 per kg, according to the company. The deployment targets a key export-market issue: mechanical damage to the thin skin of Indian onion varieties.
Commodities Coffee Board and SCAI announce third India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru for February 2027
The Coffee Board of India and the Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI) announced the third India International Coffee Festival (IICF 2027), scheduled for Bengaluru in February 2027, with participation expected from over 50 countries. Organisers cited rising global demand for Indian coffee and an expanding domestic speciality coffee culture as the backdrop to the event.
Commodities Kerala Agri Varsity to Support Agri-Enterprises in Value Addition, Market Expansion
Kerala Agricultural University will continue supporting agri-enterprises that add value to produce, generating higher income and employment. The Agri Business Incubator provides training, incubation and market linkages for FPOs and entrepreneurs, with success stories like Juz Crush exporting processed products and PALA Santhom Factory FPO winning a state-level Best FPO award.
Commodities Rapeseed meal exports push India’s oilmeal exports up 18.41% in May
India's oilmeal exports increased 18.41% year-on-year in May 2026 to 3.73 lakh tonnes, driven by a surge in rapeseed meal shipments to China and other Asian markets, according to the Solvent Extractors' Association of India. Total April-May oilmeal exports fell 5.37% due to a sharp drop in soybean meal, while planting data show soybean acreage marginally lower.
Commodities Indian govt sees limited El Nino impact on kharif crops as sowing deficit narrows
India's kharif sowing area reached 92% of normal by August 14, with the year-on-year deficit narrowing below 1%, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said El Nino's impact on production is unlikely to be significant, though Karnataka and Telangana face water shortages. Monsoon rainfall remains 13% below normal, and forecasters warn of a widening deficit through September.
Commodities Karnataka moong arrivals pick up as prices rule firm on lower crop
Moong arrivals have picked up in Karnataka's Gadag and Bagalkot markets as the new-season harvest begins, though trade sources report a lower crop on reduced acreage. Prices rule firm with machine-harvested moong at Rs 7,000-8,500 per quintal and hand-picked lots at Rs 8,600-10,300, while kharif acreage is down 4 per cent as of August 14, according to The Hindu BusinessLine.
Commodities Telangana directs CCI to ensure smooth cotton procurement as acreage rises 3 lakh acres
Telangana has asked the Cotton Corporation of India to ensure smooth cotton procurement at designated centres, with cotton area up nearly 3 lakh acres despite El Nino fears. Farmers face issues with the Kisan Kapas app for slot booking, prompting the minister to seek central intervention. The state has assured CCI of support and asked millers to open mills within 2-3 weeks.
Commodities British Wool Prices Surge 70% as Global Demand Rises and Flocks Shrink
Wool prices have climbed more than 70% in a year, with clean shorn wool averaging £2.54/kg in the latest sale versus under £1.50 a year ago, according to BBC News. A smaller British flock, fewer sheep in New Zealand, and the clearance of Covid-era wool stockpiles are driving the rally, which pushed prices to a 10-year high. Farmers like Wyn Williams say the higher prices help cover shearing costs.
Commodities Supplyco Cuts Sabari Coconut Oil Price to ₹229/Litre Ahead of Onam Season
Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) reduced its Sabari brand coconut oil price to ₹229 per litre from ₹249 ahead of Onam, following a ministerial decision on a combination pack. The 500-ml subsidised portion now costs ₹110, down from ₹140, while retail prices rule around ₹300 per litre. COMA expects wholesale prices to remain stable after the festival on increased copra availability.
Commodities Why India Is Considering Sugar Imports as Domestic Prices Hit Record Levels
India is considering limited duty-free sugar imports, tighter stockholding limits, and lower import duties to rein in record sugar prices ahead of the festival season, according to Reuters. Wholesale prices in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, have jumped nearly 20% in August to a record Rs 5,350 per 100 kg despite official assessments of sufficient supplies. Any import decision would mark India's first significant sugar imports in nearly a decade and could support global sugar prices.
Commodities India's gene-edited Pusa Rice DST1 set for commercial rabi season release
India developed two genome-edited rice varieties, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa Rice DST1, in 2025. The government is set to release Pusa Rice DST1 for commercial production in the upcoming rabi season, with transplanting around November. ICAR reports yield advantages of 9.66% to 30.4% for the drought- and salt-tolerant variety.
Commodities El Nino Set to Deepen India's Rainfall Deficit Through September, ECMWF Says
India's all-India monsoon deficit stood at 13 per cent as of August 16 and is expected to widen through September as El Nino strengthens, according to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). East and North-East India remain the worst-hit with a 27 per cent deficit, while kharif sowing has recovered to a deficit of less than 1 per cent. The US Climate Prediction Center sees a more than 90 per cent chance of a very strong El Nino in 2026-27.
Commodities India's kharif area 21 lakh hectares less than year ago as sowing pace slows
India's total kharif sowing area stood at 1,016.57 lakh hectares as of August 14, about 21 lakh hectares less than a year ago, with the pace of sowing slowing as the monsoon turned 22 per cent deficient during August 8-14. Paddy acreage fell 3.7 per cent to 379.07 lakh hectares, while pulses and oilseeds also stayed below last year's levels, according to the Agriculture Ministry's weekly update.
Commodities India's Pulses Imports Dip 1.46% in H1 2026 as Chana, Urad Slide
India's pulses imports fell 1.46% year-on-year to 31.80 lakh tonnes in the first half of 2026, according to an IPGA market update citing DGCIS data. Chana and urad imports declined, while tur surged 43.34%, masoor jumped 51.58% and yellow peas rose 17%, shifting the supplier mix toward African, Canadian and Australian origins.
Commodities ICAR-IISR signs MoU with Bio Mountain FPC, launches AI-enabled spice tools
ICAR-IISR signed an MoU with Bio Mountain Farmers Producer Company Limited to disseminate improved spice production technologies. The institute also launched the AI-enabled NGS Toolkit and licensed a granular formulation of Lecanicillium psalliotae for cardamom to Botagnix Private Limited. Two licenses for the IISR Chandra black pepper variety were issued.
Commodities India set for record soyoil imports as Russia-Ukraine war disrupts sunflower shipments
India’s soyoil imports are set to hit a record 620,000 metric tons in August, nearly 46% above the monthly average, as the Russia-Ukraine war disrupts sunflower oil shipments. A narrowed premium over palm oil is driving buyers to switch, and imports are likely to exceed 600,000 tons in September.
Commodities HELM AG and Parijat Industries Announce Collaboration Across Digital Agriculture and Agrochemicals
HELM AG and Parijat Industries (India) Ltd have announced a collaboration spanning digital commerce, branded crop protection products, technical manufacturing, and international distribution. The partnership integrates HELM's Plantix digital agriculture platform with Parijat's manufacturing base and distribution network, while establishing new HELM-branded product lines in India and toll manufacturing arrangements for global active ingredients.
Commodities India's Record Horticulture Harvest Underpins Farm-to-Bottle Beverage Economy
India's total horticulture production hit 377.78 million tonnes in 2025-26, with fruit output up 3.25% to 121.48 million tonnes, according to Second Advance Estimates. The record crop is the raw material base for an Indian beverage market worth $14.95 billion in 2024, but monsoon, cold chain and groundwater risks remain, SLMG Beverages' Paritosh Ladhani says.
Commodities Empowering Farmers Is the Foundation of Safer Dairy Food, Sid's Farm Founder Argues
An op-ed by Sid's Farm founder Kishore Indukuri argues that dairy food safety begins with farm-level practices, transparency and farmer support rather than end-point testing. The column calls for fair compensation during antibiotic withdrawal periods and preventive measures such as mastitis control to reduce antibiotic use in India's dairy supply chain.
Commodities India’s Pulses Acreage Nearly Matches Last Year’s Level on Monsoon Recovery
India's overall pulses acreage has almost caught up with last year's levels, aided by monsoon recovery, standing at 108.14 lakh hectares as of August 14 against 108.49 lakh hectares a year ago. Tur and moong area lag 4% on deficit rains in Karnataka and Maharashtra, but higher urad coverage and government stocks of 1.2 million tonnes ease supply concerns.
Commodities India orders sugar mills to ensure 7-day stock lifting; bulk data due Aug 20
India's Food Ministry has ordered sugar mills to ensure buyers lift stocks within seven days of sale and to submit bulk-consumer sales data by August 20. All-India retail sugar prices have risen 8% and wholesale prices 7% over the past month, with Delhi prices at ₹55-56/kg.
Commodities Kashmir’s ‘Red Gold’ Faces New Threat from Saffron Corm Smuggling
Kashmir’s saffron industry is battling the illegal outflow of corms to Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, driven by higher prices and falling local yields. Production last year hit only about 10% of normal levels, while the area under saffron has declined by nearly 35% since 1996-97, prompting government conservation efforts.
Commodities Coriander Prices Surge Past Rs 200 per kg as Heavy Rains Disrupt Supplies from Nashik
Fresh coriander prices have jumped above Rs 200 per kg after heavy rainfall and flooding in and around Nashik damaged standing crops and disrupted transport to northern India. At Delhi's Azadpur mandi, wholesale prices climbed to Rs 175 per kg, while retail rates hit Rs 220-230 per kg, according to traders. Supplies from alternate centres like Bengaluru and Latur also fell due to delayed rain, tightening availability of premium-quality coriander.
Commodities West Asia tensions ease, reviving orthodox tea demand at Kochi auctions
Easing West Asia tensions have revived orthodox tea demand at the Kochi auctions, with average prices rising ₹4 per kg to ₹177 and sales hitting 98 per cent in Sale 33. Middle East and CIS buyers supported premium grades, while CTC dust prices also firmed by ₹2 per kg.
Commodities India urea import prices fall 12% as global fertilizer supply tightness eases
India, one of the world's biggest urea importers, received offers 12% below its June purchase price, signaling easing global fertilizer supply. State-run Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. drew more than 3 million tonnes of offers for its west coast tender at $393.65–$435 a tonne. The drop extends a decline from April's $959-per-tonne peak.
Commodities SEA executive says 70% of world rice bran oil potential remains untapped
Around 70% of the world's rice bran oil potential remains untapped, with 5.55 million tonnes still to be explored, according to SEA Executive Director BV Mehta. Presenting at the International Conference on Rice Bran Oil 2026 in Bangkok, he said India's potential stands at 2.3 million tonnes against current production of 1.10 million tonnes. Mehta called for GST rationalisation and R&D support to unlock the opportunity.
Commodities ISMA partners with ICAR-ISRI to set up ₹80 crore Advanced Sugarcane Seed Centre at Lucknow
ISMA signed an MoU with ICAR-ISRI, Lucknow, to build an Advanced Centre for quality sugarcane seed production at an estimated cost of ₹80 crore on a 50:50 sharing basis. The centre aims to supply disease-free, genetically pure, high-yielding seed to sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh and the subtropical region, boosting cane productivity, sugar recovery and farm incomes.
Commodities China's Cotton Yarn Demand Fuels India's Cotton Consumption Growth, USDA Says
Indian cotton yarn exports to China tripled in the first 10 months of the 2025-26 marketing year, raising India's share of China's yarn import market from 7% to 21%, the USDA reported. The surge is fuelling record Indian cotton consumption, forecast at 26.5 million bales in 2026-27. Global consumption is set to hit a six-year high of 122.9 million bales.
Commodities Indian government must disclose sugar stock after physical verification, says NFCSF MD Prakash Naiknavare
NFCSF Managing Director Prakash Naiknavare has urged the Indian government to disclose sugar stock figures after completing physical verification of mills, citing price rise and potential supply tightness in October-November. Speculation of season-end stock of about 35 lakh tonnes has driven retail and wholesale sugar prices up, with the government imposing stock limits and planning early crushing.
Commodities El Nino Poses Threat to Agricultural Commodities from Rice to Coffee, Analysts Say
El Nino's onset is threatening agricultural commodities from rice to robusta coffee, with analysts at BMI, Rabobank and FAO AMIS flagging crop-specific risks. Rice faces the clearest exposure, corn is least affected, and Australia emerges as a key downside risk for grains.
Commodities India's edible oil imports jump 33.3% in July on higher palm, soybean oil demand
India's edible oil imports surged 33.3% in July 2026 to 14.81 lakh tonnes, driven by higher palm and soybean oil demand, according to SEA. Palm oil imports jumped 49.89% and soybean oil rose 31.05%. For the first nine months of the oil year, total imports grew 5%.
Commodities India’s arabica coffee crop may be hit by deficit rain, pest attack
India's arabica coffee output for 2026-27 is under threat from uneven monsoon rains and white stem borer infestation in Karnataka and Kerala. The four key districts recorded rainfall deficits of 2–61%, and growers warn of a drop in arabica production. The Coffee Board's post-blossom estimate projects total output of 4.04 lakh tonnes.
Commodities Campco: Karnataka's gutkha, paan masala ban should not impact arecanut growers, trade
Campco urged Karnataka to ensure its August 10 ban on tobacco- and nicotine-containing products does not disrupt arecanut growers or trade. Karnataka accounts for 75.47% of India's arecanut production and posted ₹379.34 crore in GST revenue from arecanut sales in 2025-26.
Commodities India fertilizer sales drop 13% in July on weak monsoon, shrinking kharif sowing
India's total fertilizer sales dropped 13% year-on-year to 77.44 lakh tonnes in July 2026, according to The Hindu Business Line, as kharif sowing area trailed and monsoon rainfall came in 12% below normal. Urea, DAP, MOP and complex fertilizer volumes all declined, raising concerns about crop yields. The government has set a kharif foodgrain production target of 176.16 million tonnes.
Commodities IREF Partners with S&P Global Energy to Study El Nino Impact on Global Rice Market
The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) has partnered with S&P Global Energy to study El Nino's impact on the global rice market. Global rice production is projected to decline 9 million tonnes to 536.4 million tonnes in 2026-27, while import demand is set to rise nearly 4 million tonnes to 59.7 million tonnes. The assessment will be presented at the Bharat International Rice Conference in New Delhi from October 24.
Commodities Coconut Oil Prices on the Boil on Onam Demand
Onam festival demand has lifted wholesale coconut oil prices to around ₹260 a kg in Kerala, with copra at ₹168 a kg, according to traders. While some traders allege artificial price creation, industry observers point to improved supplies and expect only moderate upward pressure in the coming weeks.
Commodities UK Heatwave Turns Cauliflowers Sun-Tanned and Potatoes Knobbly as Retailers Relax Rules
The UK's driest, hottest growing season in decades is causing misshapen vegetables — yellow cauliflowers, curled cucumbers, holey pak choi and knobbly potatoes — according to BBC Business. With supplies under pressure and the worst harvest since records began predicted, retailers are expected to loosen strict cosmetic guidelines to avoid empty shelves, even as growers stress the produce is still good to eat.
Commodities Record cotton imports set to push 2026-27 opening stocks to new high of 93.59 lakh bales
India's 2026-27 cotton opening stocks are estimated at a record 93.59 lakh bales, up 68% from 55.59 lakh bales in 2025-26, driven by record imports. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) also raised its 2025-26 production estimate to 339 lakh bales.
Commodities Gene-Edited Seedless Blackberries and Cherries Vie to Reinvent Global Agriculture
Pairwise, a North Carolina startup, is using Crispr gene editing to develop seedless, thornless, higher-yielding blackberry plants, according to WIRED. The company has received more than 50 regulatory approvals for five edited crops in nine countries, but only one product for sale: a blackberry variety in Colombia. Analysts remain reluctant to predict success amid consumer backlash risks.
Commodities How Beforest is using regenerative farming to restore land and build resilience
Beforest, a regenerative land restoration initiative founded in 2018, has built six collectives across Kodagu, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bhopal, spanning around 1,300 acres with 196 members. According to The Hindu BusinessLine, its diversified agroforestry model is proving more resilient than neighbouring conventional farms amid erratic rainfall and rising temperatures.
Commodities AIRIA calls for diversified natural rubber sourcing, sees NE emerging as second production hub
The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) has called for a diversified natural rubber sourcing model as India's consumption outpaced domestic production by more than half a million tonne in 2024–25. AIRIA president Anay Gupta said Kerala should remain the primary producing state while the Northeast emerges as a significant second production hub. He also backed a price-deficiency or income-support mechanism over a conventional procurement-based MSP.
Commodities Sugar Industry Seeks 100% Exemption from Mandatory Jute Packaging in 2026-27
ISMA and NFCSF have jointly urged the government to grant sugar a 100% exemption from mandatory jute packaging in Jute Year 2026-27, citing carcinogenic jute batching oil, quality deterioration, and high costs. The Standing Advisory Committee has already cut the jute packaging share from 20% to 15% pending an independent expert study. The outcome will shape packaging costs for India's sugar industry and raw jute allocation.
Commodities Indian domestic cotton prices rise on global cues, firm mill demand
Indian domestic cotton prices strengthened, with Cotton Corporation of India raising prices by ₹700 per candy on firm mill demand amid depleting stocks. Cotton acreage has caught up at over 106 lakh hectares, while ICE futures hover near 84 cents per pound. India's closing stocks are projected to decline to 75-80 lakh bales by end-September.