India tops in cotton acreage globally, second in production and consumption

Key facts

• India ranks first globally in cotton acreage and second in both production and consumption.
• India's cotton production stood at 290.91 lakh bales in 2025-26, while domestic consumption reached 328 lakh bales.
• The cotton sector contributes nearly 19 per cent of global fibre production.
• The crop is cultivated on 114.84 lakh hectares and supports around 6 million cotton farmers.
• The sector sustains employment for an additional 40-50 million people in processing and trade.
• India exported an estimated 18 lakh bales of cotton in 2024-25, worth $11.49 billion in FY25.
• The United States of America was the largest export destination for Indian cotton fabrics and made-ups, accounting for 26.35 per cent of cotton exports.
• The Mission for Cotton Productivity aims to raise output to 498 lakh bales by 2031.