The unseasonal rain caused by the depression over the Arabian Sea has led to an uncertain situation for the over Rs 500-crore cotton industry.

Agriculturists and market experts say the rains will result in losses for farmers who had opted for irrigation-based farming, whose crops are now in the flowering stage.

V S Kakade, Senior Cotton Purchase Officer, Cotton Corporation of India, who is at Bodeli, one of the major cotton-ginning hubs in the state, told The Indian Express, “Farmers who had gone for pre-monsoon sowing or irrigated farming will suffer losses, but those who have followed rain based farming will benefit.”

Bodeli has worn a deserted look since the last four days due to the rains. All trade activities have been stopped and those have stacked their cotton in the yard are trying to prevent it from spoilage.

Kishor Shah, honorary president, Central Gujarat Cotton Dealers Association, said: “It is difficult to gauge the extent of damage at this moment. Losses will be borne by those who have piled up their stock, but do not have a proper storage system.”

Kakade added: “From the CCI’s point of view, we will not be able to buy cotton for at least a month now. There was humidity in the stocks and that is why we had delayed the purchase. Now with the rains, we will be able to start the process by December.”

Meanwhile, state Agriculture Director S R Chaudhari called an emergency meeting of senior officials at Gandhinagar today to review the situation. The government has apprehended an extensive damage to crops in south and central Gujarat and parts of Saurashtra in case the weather conditions prevail for another three-four days.

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