India’s Top Wool Producing States in 2026: Rajasthan Leads with 47.5% Share

India continues to remain a major player in the global wool industry, ranking second in sheep population and ninth in wool production worldwide. With 77.4 million sheep, the country’s wool sector plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods, textiles, and carpet manufacturing.

In FY24, India’s total wool production stood at 33.69 million kg. Rajasthan emerged as the largest wool-producing state, contributing 16,013.50 thousand kg, which accounted for 47.53% of the national output.

Rajasthan Maintains Top Position

Rajasthan retained its leadership due to its arid climate and extensive grazing lands. Native sheep breeds such as Marwari and Chokla produce mainly coarse wool, widely used in carpets and blankets.

Other Major Wool Producing States

Following Rajasthan, key contributors include:

• Jammu & Kashmir – 7,770 thousand kg (23.06%)
  Known for fine wool from Changthangi and Merino sheep, used in shawls and handicrafts.

• Karnataka – 6,472 thousand kg
  Produces medium to coarse wool for rugs and textiles.

• Telangana – 4,422 thousand kg
  Growth supported by state-backed sheep rearing schemes.

• Gujarat – 2,083 thousand kg
  Semi-arid regions contribute coarse wool for carpet industries.

• Maharashtra – 1,601.28 thousand kg
  Production concentrated in drought-prone areas.

• Himachal Pradesh – 1,422.69 thousand kg
  Hill regions produce wool for warm garments and handicrafts.

Other contributors include Uttar Pradesh (942 thousand kg), Andhra Pradesh (778.23 thousand kg), and Haryana (674.61 thousand kg).

Growth Trends and Sector Structure

In terms of Annual Growth Rate (AGR):

• Punjab recorded the highest growth at 22.04%
• Tamil Nadu followed with 17.19%
• Gujarat recorded 3.20%

India produces three main types of wool:

• Carpet Grade – 85%
• Apparel Grade – 5%
• Coarser Grade – 10%

The wool industry operates in both organised and unorganised sectors. The organised sector includes composite mills, spinning units, and carpet manufacturing units. The unorganised sector comprises power looms, handlooms, knitting units, and dyeing facilities.

Employment and Livelihood Impact

The wool sector supports around 1.2 million people in the organised sector, while nearly two million people are employed in related industries. Carpet weaving alone provides employment to about 0.3 million workers.

Based on sheep categories:

• Ewes contribute 71.13%
• Rams and wethers contribute 14.54%
• Lambs contribute 14.33%

With Rajasthan contributing nearly half of the national production, India’s wool sector continues to play a key role in rural employment and the textile economy.

MCQs

1. Which state is the largest wool producer in India in FY24?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Jammu & Kashmir
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Karnataka

2. India ranks _____ globally in wool production.
(a) 5th
(b) 7th
(c) 9th
(d) 10th

3. What percentage of India’s wool production is Carpet Grade wool?
(a) 60%
(b) 75%
(c) 85%
(d) 90%

4. Which state recorded the highest annual growth rate in wool production?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Punjab
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Karnataka

5. Total wool production in India in FY24 stood at:
(a) 28.69 million kg
(b) 30.12 million kg
(c) 33.69 million kg
(d) 36.50 million kg