China seen raising cotton area in 2 of 3 regions in 2011

Chinese farmers are seen increasing cotton planting areas in at least two of three major cotton growing areas in 2011 due to surging cotton prices earlier this year, a China Cotton Association survey showed on Tuesday.

The Changjiang region and the Yellow River region, which each account for more than 30 percent of the country's cotton area, are likely to see cotton areas increase 11.7 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively, said the survey.

The survey is based on cotton farmers in 12 provinces and cities in those areas, published on the association's website.

However, farmers are still struggling on whether to grow more cotton after prices tumbled recently due to the government's tightening policies, the association said.