Cotton is a major non-food crop in India and contributes significantly to the Indian economy. India has the largest area under cotton cultivation, ranging from 10.5 million hectares to 12.20 million hectares, which accounts for 37% of the total area under cotton cultivation in the world. Moreover, India has overtaken China to become the largest cotton producer in the world.
As per estimates, India will produce 346 lakh bales of cotton by the end of 2024. The cotton industry in India employs about 40-50 million people. Let’s briefly look at India’s top 5 highest cotton-producing states.
1. Gujarat
Gujarat is the largest cotton-producing state in India, accounting for 27% of cotton grown there. The total area under cotton cultivation in Gujarat is about 15.91 lakh hectares. The state produced 94.41 lakh bales of cotton in the financial year 2023-24. The rich soil and favorable climate make Gujarat perfect for cotton cultivation.
The major cotton-producing regions in Gujarat are Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Rajkot, and Amreli. Cotton, along with wheat, maize, rice, mango, green gram, potato, onion, and more, contributes massively to the state’s economy.
2. Maharashtra
Maharashtra, a state in western India, is second among the cotton-producing states in India, accounting for 24% of the country’s cotton production. Since Maharashtra is spread in the black soil region of the Deccan plateau, it is a highly favourable state for cotton cultivation. In the year 2023-24, Maharashtra produced 80.71 lakh bales of cotton, each weighing 170 kilograms.
Cotton is among the oldest crops grown in Maharashtra. The main cotton-producing districts in the state are Nagpur, Jalgaon, and Sambajhinagar. Cotton cultivation in Maharashtra mainly depends on the weather because 97% of the cotton fields in the state rely on rainwater.
3. Telangana
Telangana is a state in the southern part of India, located on the Deccan plateau. It is the third largest cotton producer in India, accounting for 16% of the country’s cotton production. In the year 2023-24, Telangana produced 30.50 lakh bales of cotton. The major cotton-producing districts in the state are Adilabad, Khammam, and Warangal.
Cotton’s importance in the economy of Telangana can be gauged from the fact that it is popularly referred to as the ‘white gold’ in the state. Numerous government initiatives in the state seek to benefit cotton farmers.
4. Rajasthan
Rajasthan is located in North India and is the biggest state in terms of land area. When it comes to cotton production, Rajasthan is placed at the fourth position in the country, accounting for 8% of the total cotton production. In the year 2023-24, Rajasthan produced 29.50 lakh bales of cotton. Cotton is Rajasthan’s most valuable cash crop, apart from tobacco.
The major cotton-producing districts in Rajasthan are Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Hanumangarh, and Sri Ganganagar. The largest share of cotton comes from the Sri Ganganagar district.
5. Karnataka
Karnataka is a south-western state of India. It is India’s fifth largest cotton producer, accounting for 6% of the total cotton production in the country. Karnataka produced 22.50 lakh bales of cotton in the 2023-24 period. Cotton is a valuable crop for the state and integral to its farming sector and industry.
Cotton is mainly cultivated in the coastal plains of Karnataka. The major cotton-producing districts in the state include Haveri, Bijapur, Dharwad, Bellary, Mysuru, and Gadag. Haveri district ranks first in the state for cotton production.
