Cotton Acreage Declines in Khandesh as Farmers Shift to Maize and Soybean
By jayesh chouhan 2026-07-14 12:17:35
Cotton Acreage Shrinks in Maharashtra's Khandesh; Farmers Shift Towards Maize and Soybean
Jalgaon/Maharashtra: A significant shift in cropping patterns is being observed in Maharashtra's Khandesh region during this year's Kharif season. While sowing for Kharif crops is nearly 81 percent complete, the area under cotton cultivation is steadily declining. Due to rising cultivation costs, weak market prices, and increasing pest infestations, farmers are now turning towards alternative crops such as maize, soybean, and *arhar* (tur/pigeon pea).
Specifically, the cotton cultivation area in Jalgaon district has decreased by approximately 25,000 hectares compared to the previous season. While cotton was cultivated on about 5.11 lakh hectares in the district during 2024-25, this figure has dropped to around 4.55 lakh hectares this year.
According to Agriculture Department data, cotton acreage has declined in other districts of Khandesh as well. In Dhule district, cotton is being cultivated on approximately 1.75 lakh hectares this year, down from nearly 2 lakh hectares in the previous season. Meanwhile, in Nandurbar district, the cotton area has shrunk to about 85,000 hectares, compared to over 97,000 hectares last year.
Farmers state that while the cost of cotton cultivation keeps rising, market prices are not commensurate with production levels. Escalating costs of labor, fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides have driven up expenses. Additionally, the menace of the pink bollworm and changing weather patterns have further compounded concerns for cotton growers.
A delay in monsoon rains has also compelled many farmers to opt for alternative crops. This shift is reflected in the increased acreage for maize and other Kharif crops; in Jalgaon district alone, the area under maize cultivation has expanded by approximately 10,000 hectares. Agricultural experts believe that, given the current circumstances, the total area under cotton cultivation across the Khandesh region could remain below 8 lakh hectares this year. Farmers are now altering their crop choices by taking into account costs, risks, and market prospects.
