India Targets Higher Cotton Production and Global Market Growth
By jayesh chouhan 2026-07-21 13:22:15
India’s ‘White Gold’ – Cotton: Focus on Strengthening Production and Global Market Presence
New Delhi: India is strengthening its position in the global cotton industry. According to a government factsheet released on Monday, India ranks first globally in terms of cotton cultivation area and second in both cotton production and consumption.
Government data projects India's cotton production at 290.91 lakh bales for the 2025-26 period, with domestic consumption expected to reach approximately 328 lakh bales. India contributes about 19 percent to global fiber production.
The government stated that recent initiatives in the cotton sector focus on enhancing productivity, quality, market access, and value addition. Farmers receive price support through the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism during periods of price decline. Furthermore, a target has been set to increase cotton production to 498 lakh bales by 2031 under the ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity.’
According to the government, initiatives such as technology demonstrations, digital procurement, and traceability are improving cotton productivity and quality. These measures are expected to boost the competitiveness of Indian farmers and the industry in the global cotton market.
Due to its economic significance, cotton is referred to as India’s ‘White Gold.’ The crop supports the livelihoods of approximately 60 lakh farmers. Cotton is cultivated across an area of about 114.84 lakh hectares in the country. Additionally, activities related to processing, trade, and the textile value chain provide employment to around 4–5 crore people.
Cotton also plays a vital role in earning foreign exchange through the export of fiber, yarn, fabric, and garments. In 2024-25, India exported approximately 18 lakh bales of cotton, accounting for about 3.37 percent of global cotton exports. The value of cotton exports stood at US$ 11.49 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The United States was the largest market for Indian cotton textile and made-up products, accounting for a 26.35 percent share of exports. Other key markets included Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
Cotton cultivation in India takes place primarily across nine states. These are categorized into northern, central, and southern agro-climatic zones. Additionally, cotton is also cultivated in Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
