Cotton is referred to as 'White Gold' due to its economic importance in India. Cotton is one of the most important commercial crops cultivated in India. Cotton production in India supports about 6 million farmers plus 40 to 50 million people in trade or processing activities.
India ranks first in the world in cotton cultivation area, covering 114.47 lakh hectares under cotton cultivation, which is roughly 37 per cent of the global total. In terms of productivity, India is on 40th rank with a yield of 437 kg per hectare.
India is the world's second-largest cotton producer, with estimated production of 294.25 lakh bales (5 million metric tonnes). This translates to 20 per cent of world cotton production of 1,487 lakh bales (25.29 million metric tonnes). India is also
India is also the second-largest consumer of cotton in the world, with estimated consumption of 318 lakh bales (5.41 million metric tonnes), which is about 21.40 per cent of the world's cotton consumption of 1,486 lakh bales (25.26 million metric tonnes).
India is also the world's second-largest exporter of cotton, after the United States. India accounts for 3.23 per cent of world cotton exports, with an estimated export of 18 lakh bales.
Which are the top 3 cotton-producing states in India?
The top 3 cotton-producing states in India are Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana, as per the Economic Survey 2025-26.
Maharashtra ranks first in cotton production, with an estimated production of 89.19 lakh bales (7.37 million tonnes), accounting for 24.80 per cent of cotton production.
Gujarat is the second-largest cotton-producing state in India, with estimated production of 71.35 lakh bales (7.16 million tonnes), accounting for 24.08 per cent of cotton production.
Telangana is the third-largest cotton-producing state in India, with estimated production of 49.86 lakh bales (5.79 million tonnes), accounting for 19.47 per cent of cotton production.
Key Facts about Cotton Production in India
Approximately 67 per cent of Indian’s cotton is produced on rain-fed areas and 33 per cent on irrigated lands.
India is the only country which grows all four species of cotton: G. Arboreum & G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton).
G. Hirsutum accounts for 90 per cent of the hybrid cotton production in India.
In India, majority of cotton production comes from 9 major cotton growing states, which are grouped into three diverse agro-ecological zones, as under:
i) Northern Zone – Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan
ii) Central Zone - Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
iii) Southern Zone - Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
Apart from the above the cotton is also grown in the state of Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
Cotton is also one of the largest contributor to India’s net foreign exchange, through exports spanning raw cotton, yarn, fabrics to finished products like garments and knitwear.
Also read: Which are the top 3 rice-producing states in India?
