India Contributes Nearly 19% to Global Cotton Fibre Production; Cotton Exports Reach $11.49 Billion in FY25

Government factsheet highlights India's cotton production, export performance, farmer livelihood, and productivity targets through 2031.

India continues to play a significant role in the global cotton sector, ranking first in acreage and second in cotton production and consumption. According to an official government factsheet issued on Monday, the country contributes nearly 19 per cent of global fibre production while maintaining a strong presence in international cotton trade.

India ranks first globally in cotton acreage and second in production and consumption. According to an official factsheet issued by the government on Monday, cotton production in the country stood at 290.91 lakh bales in 2025-26, while domestic consumption reached 328 lakh bales during the same period.

The government stated that the sector contributes nearly 19 per cent of global fibre production.

According to the factsheet, recent government interventions to promote cotton production have focused on improving productivity, quality, market access and value addition. Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations continue to provide price support during periods of market downturn. The Mission for Cotton Productivity aims to increase production to 498 lakh bales by 2031.

The factsheet also noted that technology demonstrations, digital procurement and traceability initiatives are strengthening competitiveness by improving productivity and quality, while reinforcing India's position in the global cotton economy.

Due to its economic significance, cotton is often referred to as "White-Gold" in India.

The crop provides livelihoods for around 6 million cotton farmers, with 114.84 lakh hectares under cotton cultivation across the country. In addition, another 40-50 million people are employed in related activities, including cotton processing and trade. Beyond clothing, cotton also contributes to foreign exchange earnings through exports of fibre, yarn, fabrics and garments.

India continues to maintain a notable position in the global cotton trade. During 2024-25, the country exported an estimated 18 lakh bales, equivalent to 0.31 million metric tonnes. This represented around 3.37 per cent of total world exports, which amounted to 541.69 lakh bales (9.21 million metric tonnes).

India exports cotton to several international markets. In value terms, cotton exports reached $11.49 billion in FY25.

The United States of America emerged as the largest destination for Indian cotton fabrics and made-ups exports, accounting for 26.35 per cent of cotton exports. Bangladesh followed with 19.81 per cent, while Sri Lanka accounted for 5.11 per cent. Other key destinations included the United Kingdom with 2.38 per cent and the United Arab Emirates with 2.32 per cent.

According to the government, these export trends reflect diversified international demand for Indian cotton.

Cotton production in India is primarily concentrated across nine major states, grouped into three agro-ecological zones.

The Northern Zone includes Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The Central Zone comprises Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, while the Southern Zone includes Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Cotton is also cultivated in Odisha and Tamil Nadu.