CAI Projects 7% Increase in Cotton Acreage for 2026 Crop Season

The Cotton Association of India (CAI) expects the area under cotton cultivation during the 2026 crop season to increase by 7 per cent, based on reports received from various states.

In a statement, Vinay N Kotak, President, CAI, and Atul S Ganatra, Chairman, CAI Crop Committee, said that farmers are likely to bring larger areas under cotton cultivation during the next crop year covering July–June, supported by remunerative prices and better income realised during the current season.

According to Agriculture Ministry data, cotton was planted on about 114.82 lakh hectares during 2025-26.

For the 2026-27 marketing season, the Centre has increased the minimum support price (MSP) by ₹557 per quintal to ₹8,267 for medium staple cotton and ₹8,667 for long staple cotton.

The National Crop Committee of CAI held a meeting with stakeholders in Mumbai on Monday to review state-wise cotton sowing prospects for the forthcoming season.

The committee estimated total cotton pressing and crop output for the 2025-26 season at 334 lakh bales of 170 kg each, based on inputs received from various state associations and stakeholders.

CAI has projected cotton imports for the 2025-26 season at 47 lakh bales of 170 kg each, representing an increase of around 15 per cent compared to the previous year’s 41 lakh bales. Cotton exports are estimated at 18 lakh bales.

Domestic demand for cotton is pegged at 338 lakh bales, reflecting an increase of 7.6 per cent, while surplus stock is estimated at 103.59 lakh bales compared to 78.59 lakh bales in the previous year.

Closing stock for the 2025-26 season ending September is estimated at 85.59 lakh bales, approximately 41 per cent higher than the previous year’s 60.59 lakh bales.

CAI also stated that during discussions, differing views emerged regarding carry-over stock numbers. A seven-member committee has therefore been constituted to reconcile the stock figures.

The association further proposed conducting a survey through an independent agency to determine total cotton consumption in India. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the CAI Board of Directors.