Massive drop in cotton sowing: Decade's lowest level
By yash chouhan 2025-09-10 14:01:28
From 132 to 109 Lakh Hectares: Cotton Sowing Slips to Decade Low
India’s cotton sector has witnessed a steady contraction in sowing area over the past six years, raising concerns about upcoming production trends.
Sowing Area Trend:
In 2020–21, the cotton sowing area stood at 132.85 lakh hectares, but it has since shown a declining pattern. By 2024–25, the area had dropped to 112.95 lakh hectares, and in the current 2025–26 season, it has further slipped to 109.17 lakh hectares — the lowest in six years.
Production Overview:
Cotton production has broadly mirrored the acreage trend. From a peak of 352.48 lakh bales in 2020–21, output fell to 306.92 lakh bales in 2024–25. The production estimate for the current season (2025–26) is still awaited, but given the reduction in sowing, analysts anticipate a further dip unless favorable weather and yield improvements offset the decline.
Market Outlook:
Industry experts highlight that lower acreage could tighten supply, potentially supporting domestic cotton prices. However, much will depend on crop conditions, pest pressures, and rainfall distribution in the coming months.
With acreage shrinking year after year, stakeholders are closely watching whether India’s cotton production will continue its downward trajectory in 2025–26 or stabilize due to better yields.
