Likely Decline in Cotton Production

Nagpur. Compared to last year, the area under cotton cultivation has decreased by over one lakh hectares during the current Kharif season. Meanwhile, deficient and erratic rainfall in major producing states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka is hindering crop development.

Consequently, domestic cotton production is likely to decline in the 2026-27 season compared to 2025-26. It is worth noting that the 2025-26 marketing season concludes on September 30, 2026, while the new 2026-27 marketing season will formally commence on October 1, 2026.

Data from the Union Ministry of Agriculture indicates that the total area under cotton cultivation reached 109.74 lakh hectares by September 25 during the current Kharif season; this is 1.08 lakh hectares less than the 110.82 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year.

Cotton acreage has declined in northern states—Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan—and southern states—Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh—whereas it has increased in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana.