Cotton Acreage Likely to Increase During Kharif Season

31-Mar-2026 05:37 PM

Mumbai: In light of rising cotton prices and apprehensions regarding the onset of the El Niño weather cycle in the coming months, the area under cotton cultivation during the current year's Kharif season is expected to witness a modest increase. It is worth noting that the cotton crop requires less water compared to paddy.

Some analysts believe that the area under cotton cultivation could see a substantial increase—up to 20 percent—this year. While both the acreage and production of cotton have been on a downward trend over the past two to three years, the tide is expected to turn this time around. Conversely, the area under cotton cultivation is projected to decline in key producing nations such as the United States and Australia.

Farmers in northern states—including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan—have already commenced purchasing cotton seeds. In these regions, sowing typically begins as early as April. According to the former President of the Cotton Association of India, the area under cotton cultivation could expand by 15–20 percent at the national level this year. In 2025, cotton cultivation using HTV varieties covered a larger area in Maharashtra, resulting in a significant boost in cotton production within the state; a similar expansion in acreage is anticipated there this time as well.