The Indian government has decided to lift a ban on the export pf cotton within a week after it was imposed on March 5.

The union Commerce Ministry is expected to announce the formal decision on March 12.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had written a letter to the Prime Minister to protest a decision by the Commerce Ministry to impose a ban on cotton exports from the country.

The government had announced a day after the imposition of ban that the decision will be reviewed by a group of ministers including Mr. Pawar and the finance minister besides the commerce minister.

The indications that the ban will be lifted come after a strong protest from top importer, China. The government’s ban on cotton has already resulted in an increase in prices in the international markets. The International Cotton Association (ICA) has also expressed concern over the unilateral ban on the export of cotton from India.

Ginners in Gujarat and other political parties in the country have also been opposing the ban on the export of cotton. Ginners of Gujarat were planning to launch a indefinite strike, but have now canceled the plan after the government’s decision to revoke the ban.

The ban was imposed on the basis of recommendations of a committee of secretaries. The suggestion came after concerns of increasing prices and a possible shortfall for the Indian industry to meet its production targets.

On the one hand, the ban favors the interest of the industry but on the other hand, it resulted in a fall in the prices of cotton and lesser income for growers in the country.