India is lagging behind in the production and export of cotton

31-Mar-2025 03:24 PM

🇮🇳 India Lagging Behind in Cotton Production & Exports

📍 Mumbai: India's cotton production and exports have been declining, while imports are rising. Farmers are shifting away from cotton due to low profitability, climate risks, and pest outbreaks.

📉 Cotton Sector Challenges

🔹 Production Decline

  • 2002-03 to 2013-14: Cotton production surged from 136 lakh bales to 398 lakh bales 🚀

  • 2024-25: Production dropped to 294 lakh bales (lowest since 2008-09) 📉

🔹 Farmers Struggling for MSP

  • Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) had to buy ~100 lakh bales at MSP 🏭

  • Despite low production, prices remain weak 📉

🔹 Import-Export Reversal

  • 2013-14: India exported 116 lakh bales (record high) 🌍

  • 2024-25 (est.):

    • Imports rising to 30 lakh bales 📦

    • Exports falling to 17 lakh bales 📉

🔹 Lost Global Position

  • 2011-12: 🇮🇳 almost overtook 🇺🇸 as the 2nd largest cotton exporter

  • 2015-16: India became the world’s largest producer 🌍

  • Now: Lagging in both production & exports 🏭

📌 The Road Ahead

✅ Boost farmer incentives to revive cotton cultivation 👨‍🌾
✅ Improve pest & climate resilience through technology 🌱
✅ Enhance market competitiveness for better export potential 📈
✅ Reduce dependence on imports to maintain self-sufficiency 💰

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