POST EVENT REPORT (IPM). Encouraging statistics were presented on reduced insecticide use, especially through IPM techniques, in many countries. It was observed that cotton has a much higher yield potential in certain cases than is currently realized. Improved cotton varieties are important, but the interaction between variety and management is vital for realizing optimum yields. While the role of biotechnology approaches will continue to expand in the future, breeding will not lose its significance. Molecular marker-assisted breeding is being adopted and the genetic engineering of photosynthesis has great potential for improving yields on the physiology side. Insecticide use may lead to various consequential results, including: increased use of insecticides due to resistance; reduced reliance on natural biological control; emergence of new pests. A system approach is needed that encourages the use of ecological options. Many nonchemical insect control options, including biological management, are available that are simple and easy to apply, but which must be used on an area-wide basis. 11. Climate change is affecting cotton production. Several countries reported that weather patterns are becoming increasingly unstable as a result of climate change, with consequent impacts on cotton production. Members welcomed the news that the Secretariat had commissioned a special study on climate change and cotton production in modern farming systems. It was noted that measures to increase soil organic matter can help maintain longterm soil fertility, while at the same time contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Members further noted that a positive outcome at the Paris Climate Change Conference would be a desirable step to attenuate the ongoing effects of climate change. 12. Additional research into mechanized harvesters for smallholders was required. A session on mechanized harvesters for use in small landholdings revealed that commercially viable machines are in advanced stages of development in some countries but not yet widely available. The Committee noted that the decrease in availability of rural labor means that further investigation into practical solutions, such as mechanical harvesting, was required. 13. Amendments to statutes enable the accession of the European Union. The Steering Committee approved amendments to the Rules and Regulations of the ICAC that will enable the accession of the European Union as a single member. During the first semester of 2016, the Standing Committee will negotiate transitional arrangements and deal with other outstanding issues with the EU, in order to enable accession of the same at the beginning of the 2016/17 fiscal year. ICAC members expressed their satisfaction with the possibility of EU membership, which would strengthen their organization. 14. Improved statistics are crucial for better decision-making. A breakout session on the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of cotton statistics generated a wide-ranging discussion of ways in which to improve their reliability and availability. Government and the official data will remain the primary source of data on the overall performance of cotton. Accurate and timely statistics are vital for informed decision-making. 15. Topic of the 2016 Technical Seminar. ICAC members approved the recommendation of the Committee on Cotton Production Research that the 2016 Technical Seminar should be dedicated to the topic of “Emerging Pests in Cotton and their Control”.
Conference (WCRC-6), which will be held in Brazil in the city of Goiânia, Goiás, from May 2 to 6, 2016. Registration and abstract submission are now open and additional information on the Conference is available at www.wcrc¬6.com. The WCRC-6 will be organized under the auspices of the International Cotton Researchers Association (ICRA), with major support from the ICAC. 17. Next meetings. The 75th Plenary Meeting will be held in Islamabad, Pakistan, from October 31 to November 4, 2016. The 76th Plenary Meeting will be held in Mozambique 18. Appreciation for the hospitality of India. The Committee thanked the people, the Organizing Committee and the Government of India for their hospitality in serving as host of the 74th Plenary Meeting. Delegates complimented the hosts on their warm reception and the quality of the venue provided for the Plenary Meeting.9 ICAC SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION OF COTTON
December 9, 2015
BEGINNING STOCKS WORLD TOTAL CHINA USA
9.362 2.688 0.642
10.222 15.258 2.087 6.181 0.566 0.729
18.038 20.111 9.607 12.088 0.903 0.651
22.02 12.85 0.98
PRODUCTION WORLD TOTAL INDIA CHINA USA PAKISTAN BRAZIL UZBEKISTAN OTHERS
25.453 5.865 6.400 3.942 1.948 1.960 0.910 4.429
27.844 6.239 7.400 3.391 2.311 1.877 0.880 5.746
26.718 6.205 7.300 3.770 2.002 1.310 1.000 5.131
26.277 6.770 6.929 2.811 2.076 1.734 0.940 5.018
26.238 6.507 6.480 3.553 2.305 1.551 0.885 4.957
23.15 6.27 5.26 2.90 1.90 1.48 0.86 4.50
CONSUMPTION WORLD TOTAL CHINA INDIA PAKISTAN EAST ASIA EUROPE & TURKEY BRAZIL USA CIS OTHERS
24.611 9.580 4.472 2.170 1.833 1.550 0.958 0.849 0.577 2.621
22.782 8.635 4.231 2.121 1.780 1.498 0.897 0.718 0.545 2.357
23.559 8.290 4.762 2.216 2.139 1.565 0.910 0.762 0.581 2.335
23.883 7.517 5.186 2.476 2.312 1.615 0.862 0.773 0.614 2.528
24.224 7.517 5.359 2.497 2.533 1.584 0.797 0.778 0.602 2.557
24.36 7.33 5.52 2.25 2.74 1.65 0.80 0.81 0.60 2.68
EXPORTS WORLD TOTAL USA INDIA AUSTRALIA BRAZIL CFA ZONE UZBEKISTAN
7.690 3.130 1.085 0.545 0.435 0.476 0.600
9.828 2.526 2.159 1.010 1.043 0.597 0.550
9.986 2.836 1.685 1.305 0.938 0.829 0.653
8.991 2.293 2.014 1.037 0.485 0.974 0.650
7.705 2.449 0.914 0.521 0.851 0.885 0.594
7.36 2.23 1.01 0.54 0.77 1.02 0.53
IMPORTS WORLD TOTAL CHINA EAST ASIA EUROPE & TURKEY BANGLADESH PAKISTAN
7.749 2.609 1.826 0.973 0.843 0.314
9.784 5.342 1.997 0.725 0.680 0.190
9.606 4.426 2.355 0.833 0.631 0.411
8.670 3.075 2.355 1.082 0.967 0.247
7.605 1.804 2.631 1.010 0.964 0.198
7.36 1.21 2.79 1.01 1.04 0.25
TRADE IMBALANCE 1/ STOCKS ADJUSTMENT 2/
0.058 -0.041
-0.044 0.018
-0.380 0.001
-0.321 -0.100 0.000 0.000
0.00 0.00
ENDING STOCKS WORLD TOTAL CHINA USA
10.222 2.087 0.566
15.258 18.038 6.181 9.607 0.729 0.903
20.111 22.024 12.088 12.850 0.651 0.980
20.81 11.98 0.85
49 161 91
52 164
ENDING STOCKS/MILL USE (%) WORLD-LESS-CHINA 3/ 54 64 CHINA 4/ 22 72 COTLOOK A INDEX 5/ 164 100
55 116 88
55 171 71
16. World Cotton Research Conference. The Committee received a report on preparations for the 6th World Cotton Research
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