Top Cotton-Producing States in India for 2025

Cotton holds significant importance in India—it ranks among the nation’s leading crops and plays a crucial role in the global market.

Frequently referred to as “white gold,” cotton sustains millions of farmers, drives the textile sector, and generates substantial revenue through exports.

In this blog, we will explore cotton production in India for the year 2025, emphasizing the contributions of various states, the reasons behind the leadership of certain states, and the implications for India’s position in global cotton production.

Cotton Production in every Indian State 2025

Percentage Shave of Every Indian State in Cotton Production 2025

Cotton Production in India 2025: An Overview

As per the most recent data for the 2023-24 season, India has produced approximately 550 lakh metric tonnes of cotton, equating to around 5.5 million metric tonnes.

This substantial figure positions India among the top 10 cotton-exporting nations worldwide, alongside major players such as the United States, Brazil, and Australia.

Cotton cultivation occurs in various Indian states; however, it is not feasible in all regions due to factors like climate, soil conditions, and other variables.

Utilizing the latest statistics, we will examine the ranking of Indian states in cotton production for the year 2025.

Top Cotton-Producing States in India

Here is a ranked list of the leading cotton-producing states in India for the year 2023-24, measured in lakh metric tonnes:

Gujarat: 152.41 lakh tonnes

Gujarat holds the title of the foremost cotton producer in India. Its warm climate, well-drained soils, and advanced agricultural techniques contribute to its status as a cotton powerhouse.

The state cultivates a significant amount of high-quality cotton, including the long-staple variety, which is highly sought after for textiles and exports.

Maharashtra: 140.13 lakh tonnes

Following Gujarat, Maharashtra stands as a significant contributor. Its extensive farmlands in areas such as Vidarbha and Marathwada are ideally suited for cotton cultivation.

The state’s emphasis on Bt cotton (a genetically modified variety) enhances yields, ensuring it remains high on the production list.

Telangana: 81.80 lakh tonnes

Telangana’s cotton fields flourish due to effective irrigation and contemporary farming practices. It is emerging as a prominent player in cotton production in India, with farmers embracing new technologies to boost output.

Rajasthan: 46.63 lakh tonnes

Rajasthan’s semi-arid climate proves to be surprisingly conducive for cotton cultivation. Farmers in the state employ drip irrigation and other innovative methods to grow cotton efficiently, even with limited water resources.

Karnataka: 32.79 lakh tonnes

Karnataka benefits from black soil and favorable monsoon rains, making it a reliable contributor to cotton production. The state cultivates both traditional and hybrid cotton varieties, bolstering its textile industry.

Madhya Pradesh: 30.55 lakh tonnes

Referred to as the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh possesses rich soil that is excellent for cotton cultivation. Its central location also facilitates the transportation of cotton to various markets.

Andhra Pradesh: 28.90 lakh tonnes

Andhra Pradesh cultivates cotton in areas such as Guntur, where the climate and soil conditions are optimal. It plays a crucial role in the cotton landscape of South India.

Haryana: 23.80 lakh tonnes

Haryana’s cotton-producing region in the north benefits from efficient irrigation systems, including canals. It yields high-quality cotton that is utilized in both domestic and export markets.

Odisha: 13.60 lakh tonnes

Odisha’s cotton production is relatively modest yet on the rise. Farmers in this region are beginning to implement improved seeds and agricultural practices to enhance their yields.

Punjab: 11.90 lakh tonnes

While Punjab is primarily recognized for its wheat production, it still cultivates cotton in certain regions. The output is satisfactory, although cotton is not the predominant crop in the state.

Tamil Nadu: 8.50 lakh tonnes

Tamil Nadu completes the list of producing states with a smaller but consistent output. The cotton produced here is frequently utilized in the state’s textile centers, such as Coimbatore.

States with No Cotton Production

Not every state in India cultivates cotton. Regions such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal reported no cotton production for the year 2023-24.

This is also true for all eight Union Territories, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Lakshadweep.

The reason? These regions often experience unsuitable climatic conditions—excessive moisture, low temperatures, or challenging terrain—or they prioritize other crops such as rice, tea, or spices.

Why Do Certain States Excel?

So, what accounts for the dominance of states like Gujarat and Maharashtra in cotton production within India? It can be attributed to several critical factors:

Climate and Soil: Cotton thrives in warm, sunny climates and well-drained soils, such as the black and loamy soils prevalent in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

Irrigation: States equipped with effective irrigation systems, like Rajasthan and Haryana, are capable of cultivating cotton even in arid regions.

Technology: Numerous leading states utilize Bt cotton, which is resistant to pests and yields higher outputs. Additionally, advancements in drip irrigation and superior seed varieties contribute to this success.

History and Expertise: States with a rich history of cotton cultivation in India, such as Gujarat, have developed extensive knowledge and infrastructure, ranging from seed research to textile manufacturing.

Overview of the History of Cotton Production in India

Cotton has been an integral part of India’s narrative for millennia. Historical documents indicate that Indian cotton was traded as far away as Rome! During the 19th century, British colonial governance significantly increased cotton exports to supply their textile factories.

Following independence, India concentrated on developing its own textile sector. The advent of ‘Bt cotton’ in the early 2000s revolutionized the industry, enhancing yields by as much as 50% in certain regions.

Presently, India ranks as the second-largest cotton producer globally, following China, and is a significant contributor among the top 10 cotton-exporting nations.

India’s Contribution to Global Cotton Production

In the realm of global cotton production, India stands as a formidable force. The nation accounts for approximately 25% of the world’s cotton supply, second only to China.

India exports cotton to countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China, where it is transformed into apparel and various products.

However, challenges persist: issues such as water scarcity, pest infestations, and volatile global prices can adversely affect farmers.

Nevertheless, India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and innovative technologies ensures its competitiveness.

Challenges and Prospects for Cotton Farming

Cultivating cotton presents numerous challenges. It requires substantial water resources, which is particularly difficult in arid regions like Rajasthan. Pests, including the bollworm, pose a significant threat to crops, although ‘Bt cotton’ provides some relief.

Farmers also contend with price fluctuations in the international market, which can render farming precarious.

Conversely, there are considerable opportunities:

Sustainable Practices: The adoption of organic cotton and water-efficient methods such as drip irrigation is on the rise.

Technological Advancements: Innovations like drones, soil sensors, and improved seed varieties are enabling farmers to increase productivity with reduced effort.

Export Expansion: With the growing demand for cotton in nations like Vietnam, India’s export potential could see significant growth.

What Lies Ahead for Cotton Production in India?

As we look towards 2025, the latest trends in cotton production in India indicate a stable output; however, growth is contingent upon several factors.

Improved irrigation and the use of climate-resilient seeds may enable states such as Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to increase their yields.

Additionally, government initiatives, including subsidies for farmers and research into innovative cotton varieties, will play a crucial role.

Furthermore, with the rising global demand for sustainable textiles, India has the potential to benefit by advocating for eco-friendly cotton.

Source

• Area, Production & Yield (Reports) – desagri.gov.in