India’s cotton production for the 2025–26 season has been revised upwards by the Cotton Association of India, reflecting improved crop prospects in key producing regions and stronger arrivals in the market.
According to the association’s latest estimates, the country’s cotton output has been increased by 3.5 lakh bales to 320.5 lakh bales of 170 kg each, compared with an earlier projection of 317 lakh bales.
The revision has been driven primarily by better-than-expected yields in major cotton-producing states such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Industry officials indicated that Maharashtra alone accounted for a significant portion of the upward adjustment, offsetting marginal declines reported in northern states including Punjab and Rajasthan.
Alongside the production revision, the association has also adjusted other elements of the cotton balance sheet. Consumption estimates have been revised upwards, while import projections have been lowered, suggesting improved domestic availability of raw cotton.
Despite the increase in supply and the likelihood of a surplus, exports are expected to remain subdued. Industry observers noted that this trend reflects comfortable domestic availability and could exert downward pressure on cotton prices in the near term.
The updated estimates underscore a shift in market dynamics, with improved crop performance easing earlier concerns around supply constraints. However, the relatively weak export outlook points to continued challenges in global demand for Indian cotton.
