Top 5 Cotton Producing States in India 2025

India is the largest producer of cotton in the world, and cotton remains a lifeline for millions of Indian farmers and a backbone of the textile industry. In 2025, five states have emerged as top contributors to India’s cotton output due to favorable climate, fertile soil, strong government policies, and increased use of agricultural technology. This article explores in detail the top 5 cotton producing states in India in 2025—Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.

1. Gujarat – The Leading Cotton Powerhouse

Overview:

Gujarat continues to be the highest cotton producing state in India in 2025. Known for its vast black soil regions and semi-arid climate, the state is perfectly suited for cotton cultivation.

Regional Highlights:

• Key cotton-producing districts: Rajkot, Amreli, Surat, and Bhavnagar.
• Adoption of Bt cotton and micro-irrigation techniques has significantly boosted yield.
• The state supports a well-integrated textile value chain, from farms to spinning mills.

2025 Production Snapshot:

• Cotton production: Over 9.5 million bales.
• Gujarat has seen major success with drip irrigation and precision farming in cotton belts.
• Government-backed farmer producer organizations (FPOs) have improved marketing and export linkages.

2. Maharashtra – A Cotton Giant Adapting to Climate Challenges

Overview:

Maharashtra ranks second in cotton production despite facing frequent challenges such as drought and unpredictable monsoons. The state has pushed forward with climate-resilient farming and crop insurance programs.

Regional Highlights:

• Major cotton belts: Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and parts of Western Maharashtra.
• Heavy reliance on rain-fed farming, with ongoing expansion of micro-irrigation systems.
• Increasing adoption of organic and fair-trade cotton farming for international markets.

2025 Production Snapshot:

• Cotton production: Around 7.1 million bales.
• State initiatives promoting direct market access and value-added processing have helped stabilize farmer incomes.
• Focus on soil health management and integrated pest control.
• 3. Telangana – Rising Star with Technological Integration

Overview:

Telangana has emerged as a strong contender in cotton production over the past decade. With major investments in irrigation, technology, and research-led farming, the state is now India’s third-largest cotton producer.

Regional Highlights:

• Leading cotton-growing districts: Adilabad, Warangal, Nalgonda, and Karimnagar.
• Major beneficiary of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, bringing water to previously dry lands.
• Strong adoption of geo-tagging, drone-based pesticide spraying, and AI-driven farm advisory apps.

2025 Production Snapshot:

• Cotton production: Approximately 6.3 million bales.
• Telangana is also a leader in promoting organic cotton and eco-certification programs.
• Strong state-run procurement system supports smallholder farmers.

4. Rajasthan – Desert State Turning Cotton Hub

Overview:

Once considered unsuitable for cotton, Rajasthan has transformed its agricultural profile through canal irrigation and scientific cropping practices. Southern and western regions now account for significant cotton output.

Regional Highlights:

• Key cotton-producing regions: Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Nagaur, and parts of Bhilwara.
• The Indira Gandhi Canal Project has enabled high-yield cotton farming in desert-like conditions.
• State initiatives support IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and drip irrigation.

2025 Production Snapshot:

• Cotton production: Nearly 4.7 million bales.
• The state’s cotton farmers have benefitted from improved extension services and farm mechanization.
• Rapid growth in ginneries and spinning units in cotton zones.

5. Karnataka – Southern Cotton Belt Gaining Ground

Overview:

Karnataka rounds out the list of top 5 cotton-producing states. Though traditionally overshadowed by its northern neighbors, Karnataka has seen rapid growth in cotton acreage, particularly in rain-fed areas.

Regional Highlights:

• Major cotton regions: Ballari, Raichur, Dharwad, Haveri, and Gadag.
• Karnataka promotes intercropping cotton with pulses to boost income and soil fertility.
• Development of village-level storage facilities and marketing hubs has improved price realization.

2025 Production Snapshot:

• Cotton production: Around 4.1 million bales.
• Focus on water-use efficiency, short-duration cotton varieties, and farm mechanization.
• Growth in private sector investment in cotton processing and textile units.