Cotton production likely to fall short of target and last year

09-Oct-2025 01:52 PM

New Delhi. Domestic cotton acreage has declined for the third consecutive year, with crop damage reported in many areas. It appears that weak domestic market prices are waning farmers' enthusiasm and interest in cotton cultivation, especially in top-producing states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Low wholesale market prices in the 2024-25 marketing season (October-September) forced the government agency, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), to purchase approximately 10 million bales (each bale weighing 170 kg) from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP). The situation is similar this year as well.

The domestic cotton acreage has declined by 2.94 lakh hectares from last year's 112.97 lakh hectares to 110.03 lakh hectares this year, which is approximately 19.50 lakh hectares less than the five-year average of 129.50 lakh hectares.

Excessive rainfall and occasional pest and disease outbreaks in key producing states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Punjab have damaged the cotton crop.

The Union Agriculture Ministry has reduced the cotton production target from 35 million bales in 2024-25 to 33.5 million bales for the 2025-26 season, but actual production is unlikely to exceed 29.5-30.5 million bales.

Compared to the 30.7 million bales estimated for the 2024-25 season, production in the 2025-26 season is expected to be significantly lower.

It would not be surprising if actual production falls below 29 million bales. Preparations for harvesting the new cotton crop have begun.

The quality of cotton is also expected to be affected this year due to excessive rainfall and waterlogging in fields. High-quality cotton is being imported from abroad.

The government has made cotton imports duty-free until December 31, 2025. Around 3.5-4 million bales of cotton are expected to be imported into the country during the 2025-26 marketing season.