By April 19, cotton planting is well underway throughout the country. Sowing was virtually completed in Shanxi and Shaanxi, as well as in the south Xinjiang. Planting in the east plain has been normal but remain very slow in the north China plain due to an extended drought and low temperature.
Planting in Shanxi and Shaanxi, from March 25 to April 18, was one week later than normal, but was accelerated by timely rainfall during the period and was completed 20 days earlier than last year.
Farmers in Chaohu, Anhui province, due to a declining cash price in recent days, are less enthusiastic as procurement price may fall below expectation. Nearly 100,000 acres are under plantation in this area.
Changde, a major cotton-producing area in Huan province is in full swing under perfect weather. However, the stagnant physical sale may have undermined growers enthusiasm. Despite this, moderate increase is still expected and sowing will be completed before the end of April.
Weather has been ideal in Sichuan since late March. Planting in Shehong is near completion. A recent cold front may cause negative influence on the overall growth.
The Hengshui County in Hebei province has suffered a most severe drought since last November. The rain on April 12 failed to provide enough moisture. Planting will start from April 18.
Planting in Heze, Shandong province totaled 130,000 acres. Dezhou experienced a violent wind and a sharp drop in temperature. Planting was already delayed by 20 days and will not begin in the next ten days. Farmers in Liaocheng is fully prepared and an increase in acreage is expected.
Uncertain weather has further delayed the planting in Anyang, Henan province. No significant planting is foreseen before April 20. Growers are engaged in all preparation work. Ares may see some expansion.
By April 19, planting has virtually completed in south Xinjiang and the sandy weather has affected the planting in the north. According to local statistics, cotton planting has reached nearly 300,000 acres in Xinjiang. Severe sand storm and cold front forced the planting in Gansu Province to start as late as April 20, one week later than last.
