India’s Cotton Production Seen Falling to 290.91 Lakh Bales in FY26
2026-07-25 11:51:20
India's cotton production projected to fall to 290.91 lakh bales in FY26 due to reduced cultivation area
New Delhi: The government informed Parliament on Friday that India's cotton production is projected to decline to 290.91 lakh bales in the 2025-26 fiscal year, down from 352.48 lakh bales in 2020-21. However, cotton productivity did not see a significant change during this period, remaining within the range of 428 to 451 kilograms per hectare.
Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita stated in the Rajya Sabha that the primary reason for the drop in production is the reduction in the area under cotton cultivation. Many farmers have shifted to other, more profitable crops, leading to a decrease in the cotton sowing area.
According to government data, the area under cotton cultivation stood at 132.85 lakh hectares in 2020-21 and declined to 114.82 lakh hectares in 2025-26.
The ministry reported that cotton prices in the international market have risen by approximately 19 percent, while prices for the S-6 variety in the domestic market have increased by about 18 percent. The Minister noted that raw cotton and cotton yarn are imported when necessary to maintain domestic availability.
According to the government, the country's cotton requirements are being met through estimated production, carry-over stocks, and imports. Cotton availability and market conditions are being continuously monitored.
The government has taken several measures to support the textile industry. These include an exemption from the 11 percent import duty on raw cotton from June 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026. Additionally, the import duty exemption on Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton—effective since February 20, 2024—has been continued to ensure the availability of high-quality cotton. The government has approved the Cotton Productivity Mission (Kapas Kranti) for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31 with the aim of enhancing cotton productivity and improving quality. This mission will focus on increasing production, promoting new technologies, and developing superior-quality fiber.
The government has also made special provisions for ‘new-age fibers’ within the approved Cotton Productivity Mission for 2026-31. Furthermore, the National Fiber Mission—announced in the 2026-27 budget—emphasizes boosting the production of cotton and other fibers, as well as developing an Indian fiber brand.
