While overall Kharif sowing has surged across the country, cotton acreage has shown a notable decline this season. According to the Union Agriculture Ministry’s latest data as of June 27, cotton has been sown over 54.66 lakh hectares, a decrease of over 5 lakh hectares compared to the 59.97 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year.
This dip in cotton cultivation comes in contrast to the broader trend in Kharif crops, where rice, pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals have all registered significant growth in sown area, driven by the early and widespread arrival of the southwest monsoon.
Experts suggest that the fall in cotton sowing may be attributed to delayed rainfall in some key cotton-growing regions, as well as market uncertainties and price volatility that may have prompted farmers to shift to other crops like soybean or pulses, which are currently offering more favorable returns.
The decline raises concerns for the cotton textile and export industries, which heavily rely on domestic cotton production. If the trend continues, it may impact cotton availability and pricing in the coming months.
Despite this, officials remain optimistic that improved rainfall in July could help narrow the gap in cotton coverage, especially in parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana, where sowing activity is still ongoing.
The government is closely monitoring the situation and may consider support measures if cotton acreage continues to lag significantly behind.
