Multiple factors to determine cotton crop for 2026-27
The Indian Cotton Federation reports that while cotton planting has increased for the 2026-27 season, crop size remains uncertain due to rainfall patterns. Industry leaders are calling for policy support, including import duty relief, to combat stagnant yields and market price disparities.
Why it matters
Cotton is a vital commodity for India's economy, and fluctuations in production and pricing directly impact the competitiveness of the textile industry.
Cotton planting for the 2026-27 marketing season (October to September) has been higher. However, scattered rainfall and the growing conditions in each of the cotton-growing States will determine the crop size for the new cotton season, said Nishant Asher, secretary of the Indian Cotton Federation, at the annual meeting of the Association held on Wednesday (September 30).
On the market front, international prices, currency value, price movement of other fibres and various other factors will continue to influence the demand for cotton, he added.
Speaking at the meeting, president of the Federation J. Thulasidharan said the total cotton production for the 2025-26 that ended on September 30 this year stabilised at 320 lakh to 325 lakh bales, with steady arrivals from the southern States and Maharashtra.
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