According to data compiled from the cotton seasons 2019-20 to 2024-25, cotton production in the north Indian states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan has seen a significant decline in the last six years.
The total cotton production in India is projected to decline from 365 lakh bales in 2019-20 to an estimated 294.25 lakh bales in 2024-25. This represents a decline of about 70.75 lakh bales, underlining the growing concerns in the agriculture sector, especially in the northern region.
Northern states hit hard
Cotton production in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan has seen a steep decline:
Punjab's production fell from 9.50 lakh bales in 2019-20 to only 2.72 lakh bales in 2024-25.
Haryana's production fell from 26.50 lakh bales to 12.44 lakh bales.
In Rajasthan, traditionally the leading producer in north India, the procurement declined from 29 lakh bales to 18.45 lakh bales.
Various factors such as pest infestation, climatic uncertainties and change in cropping pattern by farmers looking for more profitable or stable options are responsible for this decline.
Significant drop in CCI procurement The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), which procures cotton under various categories (A, B and C), has also reduced its procurement drastically. In the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, CCI procured significant quantities (up to 10.57 lakh bales in category B in 2020-21), but in the latest season, procurement declined to:
0.02 lakh bales (A)
0.62 lakh bales (B)
0.50 lakh bales (C)
No procurement was made by CCI in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons as market prices were higher than MSP.
Outlook Experts suggest that unless substantial efforts are made to support cotton growers through improved seeds, pest control and support pricing, this declining trend could threaten the livelihoods of farmers and the textile industry.
The government and agricultural bodies are expected to review these trends and introduce policy measures aimed at reviving cotton cultivation in the affected northern states.
