News Capsule: Cotton Acreage Shrinks in North India as Farmers Shift to Paddy
18-Jun-2026 10:52 AM
News Capsule: Cotton Acreage Shrinks in North India as Farmers Shift to Paddy
★ Cotton acreage in North India has declined by about 22% this kharif season, with many farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan switching to paddy due to assured procurement and better returns. Cotton has been planted on around 9 lakh hectares in the region, compared to 11.56 lakh hectares a year ago.
★ Nationally, cotton sowing stood at 9.53 lakh hectares as of June 12, down 28% from 13.19 lakh hectares last year. The decline is attributed to severe pink bollworm infestations, weather-related uncertainties, and cotton prices remaining below the MSP for extended periods.
★ Experts say paddy has become a more attractive option because of stable returns, while farmers are also benefiting from additional income through short-duration crops such as maize and moong before rice transplantation. High temperatures during April-May and crop establishment issues have further reduced cotton’s appeal.
★ Despite the decline in Punjab and Haryana, cotton acreage in Rajasthan may stabilize or increase slightly if rainfall remains favorable. For the 2026-27 season, the government has raised the MSP for cotton by ₹557 per quintal to ₹8,267 for medium staple and ₹8,667 for long staple varieties.