Monthly production of cotton fabric in India amounted to 1.915 billion square meters in September, down from the monthly record production realized in August of 2.016 billion square meters.

Production during September recorded 8.7 percent year-on-year growth, and was the second highest month on record. All the major segments registered the sluggish growth.

Handloom production came down to 2.6 percent from 12.6 percent, while powerloom production dipped to 16.8 percent from 28.0 percent in August. Hosiery production increased 4.5 percent, down from 26.7 percent.

From April to September, increasing 2005 cotton fabric production now rests at 11.451 billion square meters, indicating year-on-year expansion of 18.5 percent.

From October 2004 to September 2005, the growth has been distributed among the handloom (up 15.8 percent), powerloom (up 22.6 percent) and hosiery (up 18.6 percent) segments.

Cotton's market contribution in fabric seemed to go through a setback in September because 100-percent non-cotton fabric production grew 9.3 percent, while blend cotton fabric production was even, reaching 0.3 percent.

Fibre2fashion.com