India’s Cotton Sowing Shows Mixed Pattern
The cotton sowing progress for the 2025–26 kharif season presents a mixed picture across India’s major cotton-growing states, with some regions recording a sharp increase in acreage while others show a decline. As per the latest data released by the state agriculture departments, overall sowing is underway across the country, with weather patterns, rainfall distribution, and farmer sentiment playing significant roles in influencing this year’s cropping decisions.
Maharashtra, which consistently tops the chart in terms of cotton cultivation, has reported a reduction in its total sown area. The state has recorded 25.57 lakh hectares under cotton cultivation so far in 2025–26, down from 27.63 lakh hectares in the previous year — a drop of over 2 lakh hectares. Delayed monsoon onset in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, coupled with concerns over water availability and input costs, have reportedly led some farmers to opt for alternative crops.
Telangana Records Slight Dip
Telangana, another key cotton-producing state, has also seen a marginal decline in sowing. This year, cotton has been sown on 31.90 lakh hectares, compared to 33.05 lakh hectares in 2024–25. While the drop is not substantial, agricultural officers cite a shift toward oilseeds and pulses in certain districts due to better price realization in the previous season.
Gujarat Continues Downward Trend
Gujarat, known for its high-yield cotton zones, has reported a sowing figure of 17.10 lakh hectares this season — lower than last year’s 18.60 lakh hectares. Industry analysts believe that erratic pre-monsoon showers and changing market dynamics have influenced the sowing pattern in the Saurashtra and Kutch regions.
Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh Register Significant Growth
Contrary to the above trends, Rajasthan has shown robust growth in cotton sowing, climbing to 6.04 lakh hectares in 2025–26 from 4.44 lakh hectares last year — an impressive 36% increase. A favorable monsoon onset and increased use of high-yielding Bt cotton varieties have been attributed to this rise.
Andhra Pradesh has also posted a sharp year-on-year increase, with cotton sowing reaching 1.26 lakh hectares, up from 75,000 hectares last season. Agricultural officials in the state report improved groundwater levels and strong market prices as motivating factors behind the expansion.
Karnataka Sees Moderate Growth
Karnataka, too, has shown a positive trend. The state has recorded 6.11 lakh hectares under cotton, compared to 5.47 lakh hectares last year. Timely rainfall in northern districts such as Ballari and Raichur has helped improve planting conditions and farmer morale.
Market Outlook and Farmer Sentiment
Despite mixed acreage trends, farmer interest in cotton remains steady in most regions due to expectations of favorable minimum support prices (MSP) and international market cues. However, agronomists and economists caution that further developments in rainfall distribution, pest incidence, and global demand will play critical roles in shaping the final yield and farmer incomes.
As the monsoon progresses, the cotton sowing area may undergo further changes, with late entrants and resowing expected in some parts. A clearer picture will emerge by the end of July.
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