Cotton Season Opens With A Mixed Bag Of Price Strength And Crop Stress

Corporate Update

Cotton Season Opens With A Mixed Bag Of Price Strength And Crop Stress

India’s cotton season is opening with two very different signals. Cotton prices are firm in some markets, but weather stress and pest attacks are threatening production in several growing regions. At the same time, the government is stepping up efforts to lift productivity at the farm level.

The result is a cotton market worth watching closely: prices are showing strength just as questions over crop output are beginning to emerge.

Maharashtra faces weather pressure

Maharashtra’s cotton area has reached about 38.40 lakh hectares, or 90% of the state’s average area of 42.47 lakh hectares. Western Vidarbha has seen a notable shift towards cotton, particularly in Akola and Washim, where farmers moved away from soybean.

Akola’s cotton area has risen to 1,63,344 hectares from an average 1.28 lakh hectares. Washim has also increased to 37,680 hectares from its usual 26,000 hectares. Buldhana, however, has seen cotton acreage fall to 1,35,214 hectares, just 68% of its average 1,97,000 hectares.

The bigger worry is rainfall. More than 50 days of interrupted rain in parts of the region has affected crop growth. Pest and disease pressure is also building. In early-sown areas, cotton bolls have begun opening as temperatures rise, prompting some farmers to start picking earlier than usual.

The season could consequently finish earlier if the dry spell continues.

Yavatmal crop under severe stress

The situation is particularly serious in Yavatmal, where cotton covers 4,95,322 hectares. The district agriculture department has warned that output could fall by as much as 50%.

Plants are shorter than normal and producing fewer squares. Yavatmal has received only 78% of normal rainfall, while August rainfall was just 22% of normal. Ralegaon and Babhulgaon are among the badly affected areas.

Gujarat sees the first arrivals

In Gujarat, cotton arrivals have begun at the Unava APMC market in Unjha taluka. Around 100 maunds have been recorded so far, with prices ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹2,525. Arrivals are currently coming from Mehsana and Patan districts.

The early volumes are small, but the start of arrivals provides the first glimpse of the new season in the region.

Narmada, meanwhile, is facing a different problem. Farmers are reporting sucking-pest attacks and disease in cotton fields. Leaves are turning red and falling, while some plants are drying prematurely. Farmers fear that continued dry conditions could leave plants exhausted after only two or three pickings, cutting production and income.

With cotton prices around ₹8,200 in the district, farmers are seeking crop monitoring, technical advice and government assistance.

Prices push higher

Against this uncertain production picture, cotton prices have delivered a strong signal from Maharashtra. Chalisgaon market in Jalgaon district has recorded cotton above ₹10,000 per quintal for the first time.

That is a significant milestone for growers, although actual prices vary with cotton quality, grade and individual lots.

The price rise also puts the spotlight on the other side of the chain. Ginners and spinning mills face higher raw material costs, while yarn demand remains an important factor in determining how much of that increase can be passed downstream.

Khandesh waits for the season to accelerate

In Khandesh, pre-season cotton picking is expected to gather pace around Dussehra. Some large ginning-pressing factories have already started limited procurement, but about 95% of the region’s factories remain closed.

The region has around 113 ginning-pressing factories, of which 80–85 normally operate each year. Financial problems have kept some units shut.

The crop itself is currently reported to be in reasonable condition, including rainfed cotton on black soils. Khandesh is expecting around 22–24 lakh bales this season, broadly in line with normal production.

Government pushes productivity

While weather and prices dominate the immediate picture, the government is also tackling the longer-term productivity problem.

Cotton farmers in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district are set to receive subsidies under the Mission for Cotton Productivity, part of the Centre’s ₹5,659.22-crore programme for 2026–27 to 2030–31.

The mission targets higher yields, better fibre quality and lower contamination through improved seeds, crop management practices and technology. Support will be channelled through agriculture departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities.

The timing is significant. India needs more cotton, but it also needs more reliable cotton. As the new season gets underway, the combination of weather-related production risks, rising market prices and a push for higher farm productivity is setting the tone for the months ahead.

The mission targets higher yields, better fibre quality and lower contamination through improved seeds, crop management practices and technology. Support will be channelled through agriculture departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities. The timing is significant. India needs more cotton, but it also needs more reliable cotton. As the new season gets underway, the combination of weather-related production risks, rising market prices and a push for higher farm productivity is setting the tone for the months ahead.

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