The April contract of kapas fell on the NCDEX because of panic selling by stockists in anticipation of higher acreage under the crop this season. The most-active April contract of kapas on the NCDEX was down 0.8% from previous close. On the MCX, the May contract of cotton was at 20,660 rupees per bale (1bale=170kg), down 0.3%. The May contract of cottonseed oilcake, a derivative of kapas, was down 0.9% on the NCDEX. Acreage under cotton is estimated to increase this year in Gujarat and Maharashtra due to lucrative prices. In Gujarat, the largest cotton producing state, the acreage under cotton is estimated to increase by at least 5% if the initial response to seed purchase is any indication.