Cotton Acreage Expected to Rise in Maharashtra for Kharif 2026-27
Cotton cultivation acreage in Maharashtra is likely to increase by 10–15% during the Kharif 2026-27 season. According to Agriculture Department officials, farmers—particularly in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions—are prioritizing cotton over soybean due to the sharp rise in cotton prices in both domestic and international markets.
Officials state that better market demand and the prospect of higher profits are attracting farmers to cotton. Soybean growers suffered heavy losses last season; many had to sell their produce at ₹4,000–4,500 per quintal, well below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹5,328 per quintal. In contrast, cotton prices reached ₹9,000–9,500 per quintal in April and May, significantly exceeding the MSP.
Ashok Bhutada, a farmer from Yavatmal, mentioned that he cultivated cotton on 16 acres last year and plans to expand this to 20–21 acres this time. He believes that amidst changing weather patterns and erratic rainfall, cotton has emerged as a relatively safer option compared to soybean.
The Agriculture Department observes that this trend is visible across several districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada. However, experts have cautioned farmers against making decisions based solely on current high prices. Farmer leader Vijay Jawandhia notes that the current surge in cotton prices is linked to international market conditions, and there is no guarantee that prices will remain at this level by the time the crop hits the market.
Despite cotton's growing popularity, associated risks remain. In 2025-26, cotton production in the state dropped by approximately 47% to 51 lakh metric tonnes, primarily due to excessive, unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms. Concerns regarding deficient rainfall in several districts persist for the upcoming season as well. Experts believe that high market prices alone are not sufficient to ensure farmers' income. Only an effective procurement system, fair prices, and better agricultural guidance can provide farmers with genuine economic security.
read more :- Heavy Rain Alert in Kerala
