Mexico 2019/20 cotton output to rise 2.3pc yr/yr: USDA attache

NEW YORK: Following are selected highlights from a report issued by a US Department of Agriculture attache in Mexico:

Cotton planted area for marketing year (MY) 2019/20, is forecast to remain at MY 2018/19 levels, mainly on expected growth in Chihuahua offsetting reductions in other states due to lower income as a result of poor weather conditions negatively affecting crop quality in 2018. Monsoon effects, the emergence of a new pest in the west of the country, and out of season rains in La Laguna Region damaged fiber quality. Despite these regional problems, the forecast reflects continued competitive prices for cotton compared to other crops like wheat, sorghum and corn.

Post forecasts MY 2019/20 total cotton production at 1.7 million bales (each bale weighs 480 pounds), 2.3 percent higher than the previous MY, contingent upon good weather and low pest disturbance.