WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Weak monsoon rains have hurt Indian cotton yields, and despite record plantings, production in 2009/10 will be slightly lower than previously estimated, a U.S. Department of Agriculture attache said in a report on Thursday 3 December.

The attache estimated production at 23.8 million bales, compared to the USDA's official November forecast of 24.25 million bales.

If realized, it would be Inida's second-largest crop behind the record of 24.0 million bales set in 2007/08, the attaché said.

The attache estimated domestic consumption at 19.1 million bales, compared to official USDA estimates of 18.5 million bales, and noted demand for cotton yarn and textiles has recovered.

"Due to strong international prices, exports are forecast higher at 6.7 million bales, provided there is no change in the current export policy," the report said.