Cotton farming, or Kapas ki Kheti, holds a place of pride in India’s agricultural landscape. Often called “white gold”, this crop is more than just raw material for the textile industry it is a source of livelihood for millions of farmers across India’s cotton belt. From Maharashtra and Gujarat to Telangana and Punjab, cotton farming sustains rural households while powering India’s textile exports.
Yet, in recent years, the cotton sector has been at a crossroads. Shrinking acreage, fluctuatingprices, pest attacks, and water scarcity have created uncertainty for farmers. At the same time, policy interventions, technological advances, and global market dynamics are reshaping the future of Kapas farming.
Cotton Production Trends in India
India is the world’s largest cotton cultivator, accounting for 24% of global output across 13 million hectares. Cotton production peaked at 386 lakh bales in 2014–15 but dropped to 294 lakh bales in 2024–25. A further decline is expected in 2025–26 as farmers shift to pulses and oilseeds.
The fall in output is linked to pest resistance, water shortages, and volatile prices. Duty-free cotton imports have also added pressure on farmer earnings.
Despite these hurdles, cotton (kapas ki kheti) remains crucial for India’s US$100 billion textile export target. The government is pushing initiatives such as the Cotton Productivity Mission and the promotion of ELS cotton to restore growth.
Future success will depend on quick adoption of sustainable practices and resilient seed varieties. Stronger digital procurement and support systems will also play a vital role in helping farmers.With the right policies and innovations, India can reverse the decline and maintain its leadership in global cotton.
Why Cotton Matters to Farmers
Despite these hurdles, Kapas continues to be indispensable for millions of cultivators:
Cash Crop Value – Cotton is a dependable cash crop that ensures steady income, helping farmers manage household expenses, repay loans, and sustain rural cash flow.
Byproducts & Diversification – Beyond fiber, cotton yields oil, seed cake, and livestock feed, giving farmers multiple income sources and reducing dependence on a single crop.
Industrial Linkages – Cotton connects farmers to the textile chain, creating jobs in ginning, spinning, weaving, and garmenting, and driving India’s economy and exports.
Government Support – Farmers receive protection through MSP, subsidies, and procurement drives, showing cotton’s role as a nationally important and safeguarded crop.
Recent Policy Updates and Developments (2024–25)
Over the past year, India’s cotton sector has witnessed several important policy shifts aimed at stabilizing production and supporting both farmers and the textile industry. The government unveiled the Cotton Productivity Mission (2025–26), designed to enhance yields by introducing improved seed varieties, modern farming practices, and promoting Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton to strengthen India’s presence in global markets. To make raw material more affordable for mills, the 11% import duty on cotton was temporarily waived until the end of 2025. Meanwhile, the(MSP) Minimum Support Price was revised upward, with rates set at ₹7,710 for medium-staple and ₹8,110 for long-staple cotton, offering farmers a safety net against price volatility.
On the state level, initiatives like Telangana’s Kapas Kisan app have streamlined MSP procurement digitally, though many small farmers still struggle with registration issues and limited digital literacy. Together, these measures reflect the government’s attempt to strike a careful balance between protecting farmer incomesandkeeping India’s textile industry globally competitive.
Challenges Facing Cotton Farmers
Even with policy support, Kapas farmers struggle with multiple issues:
Falling Profitability – Cotton prices often dip below MSP, and duty-free imports make it harder for farmers to earn fair returns, reducing confidence in the crop.
Pest Pressure – Pink bollworm continues to damage cotton crops, with Bt varieties losing effectiveness, leading to yield losses and higher input costs for farmers.
Water Stress – Cotton needs steady irrigation, but drought-prone belts and North Indian regions face water shortages, discouraging farmers from sowing the crop.
Shrinking Acreage – Many farmers are shifting land to safer, short-duration crops like pulses or maize that promise quicker and more stable income.
Digital Divide – Lack of smartphone, internet, and digital know-how keeps many small farmers from accessing MSP apps and government procurement systems.
Future Pathways for Sustainable Cotton Farming
The road ahead for cotton farming in India depends on adopting sustainable, technology-driven practices that protect both farmer incomes and the environment. Wider use of drip irrigation, soil sensors, and precision farming can improve water efficiency and raise yields, while developing pest–resistant and climate-resilient seed varieties will help farmers cope with recurring threats like pink bollworm. Crop rotation with pulses and oilseeds can restore soil health, reduce pest cycles, and provide additional income opportunities. Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will give cultivators direct market access and better bargaining power, while expanding organic and indigenous cottonproduction can tap into premium global markets. At the same time, improving digital literacy and access is crucial so smallholders can use procurement apps, weather advisories, and extension services effectively. With supportive policies that balance MSP fairness with industry competitiveness, India has the potential to secure a sustainable and globally competitive future for Kapas farming
To ensure cotton remains profitable and sustainable, farmers and policymakers must work hand in hand:
Adopt resilient seed varieties – Using pest- and climate-resistant cotton seeds ensures better yield stability, reduces losses, and helps farmers adapt to changing weather conditions.
- Promote precision farming – Techniques like drip irrigation, soil health monitoring, and drone spraying save water, cut costs, and improve cotton productivity sustainably.
- Encourage crop rotation – Rotating cotton with pulses or oilseeds restores soil fertility, breaks pest cycles, and provides farmers additional income security.
- Strengthen FPOs – Farmer Producer Organizations boost collective bargaining, provide direct market access, and help farmers secure better prices for their cotton.
- Expand organic & indigenous cotton – Growing organic and traditional cotton varieties opens premium export markets and supports eco-friendly, sustainable farming.
- Improve digital literacy – Training farmers to use procurement apps, advisories, and weather tools helps them access MSP benefits and make informed decisions.
Final Thought
Kapas ki Kheti is not just about fiber it is about food security, rural livelihoods, and India’s position in global textiles. While production has declined in recent years, the right blend oftechnology, supportive policies, and farmer empowerment can revive cotton’s promise. With initiatives like the Cotton Productivity Mission and growing emphasis on sustainable farming, India has the opportunity to ensure cotton continues to be the true “white gold” for generations of farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Kapas ki Kheti
Q1. Why is cotton called “white gold” in India?
Cotton is called white gold because it is the backbone of India’s textile industry and provides direct income to millions of farmers, while also fueling several allied industries.
Q2. Which states are the top producers of cotton in India?
The leading cotton-producing states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab, together accounting for most of India’s cotton output.
Q3. What are the major challenges in Kapas farming today?
Farmers face issues like falling profitability, pest attacks (especially pink bollworm), water scarcity, shrinking acreage, and digital barriers in accessing procurement schemes.
Q4. How does the government support cotton farmers?
Support comes through Minimum Support Price (MSP), subsidies on seeds and fertilizers, procurement drives, and programs like the Cotton Productivity Mission 2025–26.
Q5. Why is organic cotton gaining importance?
Organic cotton is pesticide-free and eco-friendly. It fetches premium prices in global markets, making it a profitable option for farmers while promoting sustainable agriculture.