Production of cotton during the current marketing season that commenced on October 1, 2025 is estimated to be seven lakh bales less than the previous year.
The Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption that met in Mumbai on July 29 expected the production this season to be 290.24 lakh bales of 170 kg each while the production in 2024-2025 was 297.24 lakh bales. Consumption of cotton by large-scale and MSME textile mills, which are the main consumers of cotton in the country, is like to be 320 lakh bales while it was just about 306 lakh bales last season.
While cotton exports so far are six lakh bales less than the 2024-2025 season, imports are up by almost 15 lakh bales. “We expect the cotton season to end in September with nearly 60 lakh bales of import,” said chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association Durai Palanisamy.
The next cotton season will start in October with nearly 42 lakh bales of stock, which is the lowest in the last three years. “Cotton yarn exports have crossed 100 million kg a month for the last six months. The domestic demand is also good. Hence, the demand for cotton will continue to grow,” said Mr. Palanisamy.
The Cotton Association of India is of the view that total cotton production, including imports, will be 337 lakh bales. There is an improvement in yield, it said.
However, the trade and industry have expressed concern over the decline in area under cotton for the next season. The progress of cotton production will depend on the monsoon rains, they said.
Published – August 01, 2026 09:09 pm IST
