Cotton Acreage and Production in India Likely to Rise Next Season: USDA
By yash chouhan 2026-04-08 11:45:51
India’s Cotton Acreage and Output Likely to Rise Next Season: USDA
India’s cotton sector is set for a rebound in the 2026–27 marketing year, with both acreage and production expected to increase, according to the USDA.
The agency projects cotton acreage to rise by 3% to about 11.5 million hectares, driven by improved farmer sentiment and expectations of better returns. Production is forecast to grow by 7% to 25.2 million bales (480 lb each), supported by higher yields and a likely normal monsoon season.
This recovery follows a difficult previous year marked by untimely rains. Yields are now anticipated to improve, with average productivity estimated at around 477 kg per hectare due to better crop conditions and more favourable weather.
Domestic demand is also expected to strengthen, with consumption projected to reach 25.8 million bales. This growth is likely to be fueled by improved prospects for textile and apparel exports, along with anticipated trade agreements with key markets such as the European Union and the United Kingdom.
On the trade side, cotton imports are forecast to decline to about 3 million bales as higher domestic production reduces reliance on overseas supply. Exports, however, are expected to fall to around 1.2 million bales, reflecting a smaller exportable surplus and a strategic shift toward exporting value-added textile products rather than raw cotton.
Overall cotton supply is projected to increase to nearly 39.3 million bales, aided by higher production and strong opening stocks. Ending stocks are expected to rise to 12.3 million bales, resulting in a stock-to-use ratio of roughly 46%, indicating comfortable availability in the domestic market.
Despite this positive outlook, the sector continues to face challenges such as rising input costs and increasing competition from synthetic fibres. Nevertheless, improved yields and stable weather conditions are expected to support a stronger performance for India’s cotton economy in the coming season.
