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Corporate Update

COTTON CROP SURVEY POINTS TO 10% PRODUCTION DROP

• By  Atul Gantara
• September 30, 2026

India’s upcoming cotton crop could be around 10% smaller than last season, according to a September 25 survey conducted by cotton industry veteran Sri Atul Ganatra, CMD of Radha Lakshmi Group, after discussions with 50 members across the country’s 10 major cotton-growing states.

The survey paints a sharply uneven picture. Some states are heading for a better crop, while poor rainfall and high temperatures are threatening yields elsewhere.

Gujarat looks strong

Gujarat has increased cotton sowing by 3%, with crop conditions currently described as good. The survey expects cotton pressing to be 5–7% higher than last year.

Madhya Pradesh has also increased cotton acreage by 5% and currently has good crop conditions. Pressing numbers are expected to be around last year’s level, although the picture should become clearer over the next month.

North India presents a mixed signal. Cotton sowing is down 18%, although standing crops are reportedly good. Lower soil moisture and higher temperatures could reduce yields and crop size. For now, pressing is expected to remain close to last year’s level.

Maharashtra splits in two

Maharashtra’s cotton acreage is slightly below last year. Vidarbha and Khandesh are currently reporting good crop conditions, but Marathwada is described as very poor.

The survey expects Maharashtra’s cotton production to fall 12–15% from last season.

Southern states face bigger losses

Telangana has increased sowing by 5%, but crop conditions are split almost evenly between good and poor. Adilabad and Warangal are doing better, while low rainfall has hurt Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda. Pressing could be similar to last year or 5–10% lower.

Andhra Pradesh faces a much sharper decline. Poor rainfall over the past three months has badly affected the crop, with production expected to be 30–35% lower.

Karnataka’s cotton acreage is broadly unchanged, but poor rainfall could cut pressing by 20–25%.

Odisha is another major concern. Sowing is down only 1–2%, but excessive rainfall has damaged the crop and pressing could fall by around 30%.

Tamil Nadu’s cotton sowing will take place only after Diwali.

The next 30 days matter

The survey estimates overall Indian cotton production could be 10% lower than last season. But it also carries an important warning: this is not the final picture.

Weather over the next 20–30 days will be crucial. Lower water availability could affect the later pickings, particularly the fourth and fifth pickings, further reducing yields.

A second survey is scheduled for October 15, when the crop outlook should be clearer.

The survey estimates overall Indian cotton production could be 10% lower than last season. But it also carries an important warning: this is not the final picture. Weather over the next 20–30 days will be crucial. Lower water availability could affect the later pickings, particularly the fourth and fifth pickings, further reducing yields. A second survey is scheduled for October 15, when the crop outlook should be clearer.