India's cotton production is estimated at 290.91 lakh bales during 2025-26, while domestic consumption is projected at 328 lakh bales in the same period. According to the factsheet, the country contributes nearly 19 per cent of global fibre production, underlining its strategic importance in the international cotton sector.
The government stated that its interventions in the cotton industry are aimed at enhancing productivity through technology adoption, improving quality standards, expanding market access and promoting value addition. Minimum Support Price operations continue to provide price protection to farmers during periods of market decline, while the Mission for Cotton Productivity has set a target of increasing national cotton production to 498 lakh bales by 2031.
According to the government, technology demonstrations, digital procurement systems and traceability initiatives are playing a significant role in improving productivity, enhancing cotton quality and strengthening India's position in the global cotton market.
Recognised as India's "White Gold" because of its economic importance, cotton supports the livelihoods of nearly 6 million farmers across the country. The crop is cultivated on approximately 114.84 lakh hectares and generates employment for another 40 to 50 million people engaged in processing, trading and the textile value chain.
Cotton also remains a major contributor to India's foreign exchange earnings through exports of fibre, yarn, fabrics and garments. During 2024-25, India exported an estimated 18 lakh bales, equivalent to 0.31 million metric tonnes, accounting for approximately 3.37 per cent of global cotton exports, which stood at 541.69 lakh bales, or 9.21 million metric tonnes, according to the government factsheet.
In value terms, India's cotton exports reached USD 11.49 billion during the financial year 2024-25, reflecting the sector's growing contribution to the national economy and international trade.
The United States emerged as the largest destination for India's cotton fabrics and made-up exports, accounting for 26.35 per cent of total exports. Bangladesh followed with a share of 19.81 per cent, while Sri Lanka accounted for 5.11 per cent. Other major export destinations included the United Kingdom with 2.38 per cent and the United Arab Emirates with 2.32 per cent. The government said this export pattern reflects strong and diversified global demand for Indian cotton products.
Cotton cultivation in India is concentrated across nine major producing states, organised into three agro-climatic zones. The northern zone includes Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, while the central zone comprises Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The southern zone covers Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Cotton is also cultivated in Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
The latest government factsheet highlights India's continued dominance in the global cotton sector through extensive cultivation, strong production capacity, sustained export performance and policy-driven initiatives designed to improve productivity, support millions of farmers and strengthen the country's long-term position in international textile and fibre markets.
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