According to the latest weekly sowing report for June 8, cotton sowing stood at 7.51 lakh hectares as of early July, down from 9.72 lakh hectares during the corresponding period last year, reflecting a decline of 2.21 lakh hectares. The slower progress comes despite the onset of monsoon rains across key cotton-growing regions.
India’s cotton sowing remains below last year’s level, with acreage at 7.51 lakh hectares versus 9.72 lakh hectares a year ago.
North India is expected to see lower cotton area as farmers shift to alternative crops.
However, strong planting growth in Gujarat, higher MSP and expectations of increased acreage in Central India are supporting optimism for the 2026-27 season.
The outlook in North India, remains less encouraging. Market sources estimate cotton acreage in the region could decline by around 20 per cent this year. Farmers in Punjab and Haryana have increasingly shifted to bajra, maize and paddy after suffering crop losses over the past three seasons. Delayed monsoon rains in recent years contributed to severe pest infestations, resulting in poor yields and lower farmer confidence.
Punjab had targeted 1.25 lakh hectares under cotton this season, but only around 70,000 hectares had been sown by early June, equivalent to 56 per cent of the target. In Haryana, sowing progressed rapidly to 3.07 lakh hectares by the end of May, though the overall area is still expected to remain below historical levels.
Rajasthan presents a mixed picture. While extreme heat and water shortages have damaged recently planted cotton in parts of Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar, pre-monsoon showers have improved sowing prospects in some newer cotton-growing areas. Sources said that cotton sowing still continues in the state. However, 80 per cent sowing completed across north India.
Meanwhile, Gujarat has emerged as a bright spot. State Agriculture Department data show cotton planting reached 93,499 hectares by June 8, compared to 34,011 hectares a year earlier. Industry estimates indicate the area has since expanded further, supported by favourable prices and improved farmer interest. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) expects cotton acreage in Central India to rise by around 15 per cent, this season. The association has projected all-India cotton sowing to exceed 130 lakh hectares, citing higher minimum support prices (MSP) and cotton’s relatively lower water requirement compared to competing crops.
For the 2026-27 marketing season, the Centre increased the MSP by ₹557 per quintal to ₹8,267 ($86.75) for medium-staple cotton and ₹8,667 ($90.94) for long-staple cotton. Industry representatives believe the higher MSP will encourage farmers in Gujarat, Maharashtra and parts of Central India to allocate more land to cotton.
Last season, India’s total cotton area stood at 115.20 lakh hectares, compared to the five-year average of 125.51 lakh hectares. With current sowing lagging behind last year’s pace, the extent of acreage recovery in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Central India over the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the country can approach CAI’s ambitious acreage projection.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
