India is likely to achieve a record cotton output in the 2011-12 season. The US Department of Agriculture has estimated it at 35 million bales as farmers are expected to put more area under the crop buoyed by higher prices.

Cotton production of India, the world’s second biggest cotton producer, made 32 million bales in 2010-11 season which is counted from August till July. Bt cotton area is expected to reach 90 per cent of the total area this year, but share of unapproved Bt seeds may also rise.

The US body also said that India’s production is likely to oustrip demand this year.