India’s cotton output is projected to drop by 8% to 299.26 lakh bales in 2024-25, primarily due to a 10% reduction in acreage. The Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption (CCPC) attributes this decline to shrinking sowing areas, despite improved yields of 447.84 kg/ha over last year. Regional variations in production and acreage are evident, with the Central Zone showing the largest contribution. The CCPC’s estimates are slightly below the Cotton Association of India’s (CAI) forecast of 302 lakh bales. Yields, however, remain positive across zones, reflecting advancements in crop practices.
Key Highlights
# Cotton production estimated at 299.26 lakh bales, down 8% YoY.
# Acreage declines 10% to 113.60 lakh hectares this year.
# Yields improve to 447.84 kg/ha, supporting overall output.
# Central Zone remains the largest producer with 182.93 lakh bales.
# CCPC’s estimates are marginally lower than CAI’s projection of 302 lakh bales.
India’s cotton output is forecast to decline by 8% to 299.26 lakh bales for the 2024-25 crop year, according to the Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption (CCPC). This drop is attributed to a 10% reduction in acreage, which fell to 113.60 lakh hectares compared to 126.88 lakh hectares last year. Despite the reduced area, yields have improved to 447.84 kg/ha from 435.75 kg/ha, cushioning the impact on production.
The Central Zone, comprising Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, continues to lead production with 182.93 lakh bales. However, its acreage dropped from 75.47 lakh hectares to 69.88 lakh hectares. Similarly, the Northern Zone saw production decline from 47.60 lakh bales to 33.05 lakh bales, as acreage shrank by 31%. The Southern Zone reported marginal drops in both production and acreage, at 78.01 lakh bales and 29.58 lakh hectares, respectively.
Supporting the price outlook, improved yields and declining acreage are expected to tighten supply, which may bolster cotton prices in the domestic and international markets. The CCPC’s estimate is slightly below the Cotton Association of India’s projection of 302 lakh bales, indicating possible revisions as the season progresses.
In other developments, advancements in agricultural practices have contributed to better yields, highlighting opportunities for further investment in cotton cultivation. India’s cotton output dip, coupled with tighter acreage, is expected to support prices. Improved yields reflect positive agricultural strides amid production challenges.
