USDA: India's cotton production estimated at 31.4 million bales in 2025-26
2025-08-26 14:58:37
USDA estimates India's cotton output at 31.4 million bales in 2025-26
The USDA local office in Mumbai has kept its forecast for Indian cotton output for the 2025-26 season beginning in October steady at 24.5 million bales of 480 pounds each (31.4 million bales of 170 kg each). This estimate has been made despite a reduction in acreage in key producing states of central India as farmers have turned to other profitable crops. The post estimates that India's cotton acreage in 2025-26 will decline to 11.2 million hectares from 11.5 million hectares in the previous year.
Farmers in central India have preferred to grow competing crops such as paddy, maize and groundnut due to higher profitability, while an increase in yields due to favourable monsoon conditions is expected to offset the reduction in acreage. The post has forecast a yield of 476 kg per hectare for marketing year 2025-26, up from the current season's 464 kg per hectare.
Cotton consumption in India is estimated at 25.7 million bales (25.5 million bales) at 480 pounds per bale, marginally higher due to stable demand for apparel and potential export growth following the ratification of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). As of July 24, domestic lint prices are 5 to 6 cents higher than the Cotlook A-index, pushing mills to increase their reliance on imports. According to trade sources, mill utilisation is around 90 per cent due to strong export demand for yarn, fabric and apparel, supporting the forecast of higher consumption.
