Cotton Sowing Area Drops by 4 Lakh Hectares

27-Jul-2026 11:12 AM

New Delhi: Due to reduced sowing in key producing states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Haryana, the total national cotton cultivation area for the current Kharif season stood at 98.72 lakh hectares as of July 24, 2026.

This marks a decline of 4 lakh hectares compared to the 102.72 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year. In Punjab, the area under cultivation has shrunk to just 80,000 hectares—the lowest level seen in recent years.

Monsoon rainfall has intensified across various states, increasing soil moisture levels. This could help farmers accelerate the sowing of cotton alongside other crops. However, there are concerns regarding potential damage to the cotton crop due to heavy rains and severe flooding in parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Alerts for torrential rain have also been issued for Haryana and Rajasthan. Meanwhile, there are indications of an increase in cotton acreage in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; the situation in other states will become clear soon.