Sharp Rise in Cotton Sowing in Andhra Pradesh; Acreage Crosses 1.86 Lakh Hectares
A significant increase in cotton sowing has been recorded in Andhra Pradesh during the Kharif 2026 season. According to a report by the State Agriculture Department, cotton sowing had been completed across a total area of 1,86,280 hectares in the state by the week ending July 1, 2026. This marks an increase of approximately 158 percent compared to the 72,282 hectares sown during the same period last year, reflecting growing farmer participation and favorable weather conditions.
The state's total cotton sowing target has been set at 5,14,858 hectares, with sowing completed on approximately 36 percent of this area so far. Typically, sowing covers only 58,452 hectares by this time; however, this year's figure is 319 percent higher than normal, indicating a strong start to the Kharif season.
District-wise data shows Kurnool leading in cotton cultivation, with sowing completed on 1,30,662 hectares so far. This is followed by Palnadu (19,413 hectares), Ananthapuramu (12,846 hectares), NTR district (8,989 hectares), and YSR Kadapa (4,955 hectares). Sowing has also taken place at varying levels in districts such as Nandyal, Sri Sathya Sai, Markapuram, Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Kakinada, Eluru, Krishna, and Tirupati.
However, cotton sowing remains negligible or non-existent in certain districts, including Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, Bapatla, Chittoor, Annamayya, Polavaram, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Konaseema. Agriculture Department officials state that the onset of the monsoon has been relatively favorable this year, enabling farmers to carry out sowing on time. If rainfall conditions remain normal in the coming weeks, the total area under cotton cultivation is likely to increase further. Consequently, an improvement in cotton production in the state is anticipated this year.
