Maharashtra, Gujarat and more: Top cotton producing states in India
Based on provisional estimates for the 2024-25 cotton season from the Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption, India’s total cotton production stands at 294.25 lakh bales. Here’s a detailed look at the top five cotton-producing states:
India continues to be the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of cotton, contributing nearly 24% of global cotton output, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Despite having the largest cotton acreage globally, India ranks 36th in productivity.
The country cultivates all four major cotton species, G. Arboreum, G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton), and G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton) – across the Northern, Central, and Southern zones.
Based on provisional estimates for the 2024-25 cotton season from the Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption, India’s total cotton production stands at 294.25 lakh bales. Here’s a detailed look at the top five cotton-producing states:
1. Maharashtra – India’s Cotton Powerhouse
Maharashtra leads with 89.09 lakh bales, up from 80.45 lakh bales last season (2023-24). With 40.86 lakh hectares under cultivation and a yield of 370.66 kg/ha, the state remains a key driver of India’s cotton industry.
2. Gujarat – High Productivity Hub
Gujarat follows with 71.34 lakh bales, slightly lower than 90.57 lakh bales last season. Its 23.92 lakh hectares deliver an impressive yield of 507.02 kg/ha, making the state one of the most productive cotton regions in India.
3. Rajasthan – Strong Yield Performer
Rajasthan recorded 18.45 lakh bales in 2024-25, down from 26.22 lakh bales the previous year. However, its yield of 500.24 kg/ha across 6.27 lakh hectares reflects strong efficiency and adoption of modern cotton farming practices.
4. Telangana – Steady Southern Contributor
Telangana contributes 49.86 lakh bales, nearly unchanged from last season. Spread over 18.11 lakh hectares, the state maintains a healthy yield of 468.04 kg/ha, supporting the Southern cotton belt’s consistent output.
5. Madhya Pradesh – Reliable Central Zone Player
Madhya Pradesh rounds off the top five with 15.35 lakh bales grown over 5.37 lakh hectares, achieving a yield of 425.98 kg/ha. This ensures the Central Zone continues to play a vital role in India’s overall cotton production.
India’s cotton sector remains a cornerstone of the global textile industry. While Maharashtra leads in total output, Gujarat and Rajasthan showcase high productivity per hectare. Continuous improvements in yield and farming practices are expected to strengthen India’s position as a global cotton leader in the coming years.
