Cotton production during the recent cotton seasons has ranged from 352.48 lakh bales in 2020-21 to 290.91 lakh bales (Provisional) in 2025-26. The variation in production is primarily attributable to changes in cotton acreage, as some farmers have diversified to other remunerative crops. Cotton productivity has, however, remained broadly stable in the range of 428-451 kg/hectare during this period. The details of area, production and productivity are given below.

Cotton prices have reflected prevailing domestic and international market conditions. During the recent period, international cotton prices increased by about 19%, while domestic cotton prices (S-6 variety) increased by about 18%. To augment domestic availability, imports of raw cotton and cotton yarn are undertaken whenever required. The details of imports of raw cotton and cotton yarn are given below.

The overall cotton availability in the country, including imports, meets the requirements of the domestic textile industry. The estimated production, carry-over stocks and imports meet the projected consumption and the cotton situation is continuously monitored.

The Government has taken timely measures to support the textile industry, including exemption of the 11% import duty on cotton imports from 01.06.2026 to 31.10.2026 to facilitate adequate availability of raw cotton at competitive prices. The Government has also continued the exemption from import duty on Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton (ITC HS Code 52010025), effective from 20.02.2024, to facilitate the availability of quality cotton for the textile industry. Further, the Government has approved the five-year Mission for Cotton Productivity (Kapas Kanti) (2026–27 to 2030–31), with an outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore to increase productivity & improve the quality of the cotton.

Details of area, production and productivity

Sr. No.	Cotton Year (Oct-Sept)	Area (in lakh Hectares)	Production (in lakh bales of 170 Kg)	Productivity (in Kg/Hectare)
	2020-21	132.85	352.48	451
	2021-22	123.71	311.17	428
	2022-23	129.27	336.60	443
	2023-24	126.88	325.22	436
	2024-25	114.84	297.24	440
	2025-26 (P)	114.82	290.91	431

P-Provisional;

Source: Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption meeting held on 16.04.2026

Details of import of raw cotton and yarn

(Quantity in Tonne)

ITEMS	2024-2025	2025-2026	Percentage Change	APRIL		Percentage Change
				2025-2026	2026-2027
Cotton Yarn	7564.61	9074.13	19.96	954.51	848.37	-11.12
Raw Cotton	562224.70	1013455.16	80.26	45564.09	38674.34	-15.12

 

Source: Monthly Statistics of the Foreign Trade of India, DGCIS, Kolkata

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

 

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MAM/VN

(Rajya Sabha US Q799)

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