Gujarat 2017 cotton output seen down 9% at 7.4 mln bales.

Despite higher acreage, cotton output in Gujarat, the largest producer, is seen falling 9% on year to 7.36 mln bales in 2017 kharif season. The decline in output is largely due to lower yields. Heavy floods in Gujarat have led to major decline in yields this year. Cotton yield is seen falling to 525 kg per ha compared with 569 kg per ha in the previous year.