Table of contents
- What is Cotton Farming?
- Why Choose Cotton Farming in India?
- Major Cotton Growing States in India
- Types of Cotton Grown in India
- Climate and Soil Requirements
- Step-by-Step Cotton Farming Process
- Cotton Farming Setup Cost in India
- Expected Yield and Profit Margin
- Government Schemes and Subsidies
- Modern Technologies in Cotton Farming
- Revenue Streams: By-products and Crop Sales
- Challenges in Cotton Farming
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Cotton farming is a key agricultural activity in India, offering significant income potential to farmers across various states. It is known as the “White Gold” of India because of its massive contribution to the textile industry. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about cotton farming in India, including where it is grown, why it is important, the latest techniques, the cost of setup, profit margins, and much more.
What is Cotton Farming?
Cotton farming is the process of growing and harvesting cotton, a natural fibre crop used mainly in the textile industry. Cotton is a kharif crop, sown in June-July and harvested around October-March depending on the region.
Uses of Cotton:
- Textile industry (clothes, bed sheets)
- Oil extraction from cotton seeds
- Animal feed from cottonseed cake
- Cotton linters are used in the medical and paper industries
Why Choose Cotton Farming in India?
India is one of the largest producers and consumers of cotton. Cotton supports over 6 million farmers and 40-50 million people in allied sectors.
Benefits of Cotton Farming:
- High demand in local and international markets
- Multiple income sources (fibre + by-products)
- Government support and minimum support price (MSP)
- Scope of mechanisation and modern technology
Major Cotton Growing States in India
| State | Key Growing Regions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Vidarbha, Marathwada | Largest cotton producer |
| Gujarat | Saurashtra, Kutch | High-quality long staple cotton |
| Telangana | Warangal, Karimnagar | Known for Bt cotton cultivation |
| Andhra Pradesh | Guntur, Prakasam | Mechanised cotton farming |
| Punjab | Bathinda, Mansa | High-quality long-staple cotton |
| Haryana | Sirsa, Hisar | High productivity areas |
| Rajasthan | Banswara, Hanumangarh | Expanding cotton farming footprint |
Note:
Rice-dominated states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Kerala grow very little or no cotton due to high rainfall and unsuitable soil.
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Types of Cotton Grown in India
- Desi Cotton (Gossypium arboreum): Indigenous, drought-resistant.
- American Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): Widely used hybrid, high yield.
- Egyptian Cotton (Gossypium barbadense): Extra-long staple cotton, high market value.
- Bt Cotton: Genetically modified for pest resistance (bollworm).
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Temperature: 21°C to 30°C
- Rainfall: 600-1200 mm (well-drained conditions)
- Soil: Deep black cotton soil, alluvial or loamy soil with pH of 6.0 to 7.5
- Sunlight: Minimum 6-7 hours of direct sunlight
Step-by-Step Cotton Farming Process
- Land Preparation
- Ploughing and harrowing
- Adding FYM (Farm Yard Manure) or compost
- Seed Selection
- Choose high-yielding Bt or hybrid seeds
- Seed treatment with fungicide
- Sowing
- Time: June-July (rain-fed), April-May (irrigated)
- Spacing: 60 cm x 30 cm
- Fertilizer Application
- Urea, DAP, Potash
- Apply in 2-3 split doses based on soil testing
- Irrigation
- Critical stages: Flowering and boll formation
- Drip irrigation recommended
- Weed & Pest Control
- Manual weeding or herbicide use
- Bollworm, aphids, jassids: spray recommended pesticides
- Harvesting
- Starts 5-6 months after sowing
- Manual or mechanical picking
Cotton Farming Setup Cost in India
| Expense Category | Approximate Cost (Per Acre) |
| Land Preparation | ₹4,000 |
| Seeds (Bt/Hybrid) | ₹2,000 |
| Fertilizers & Manure | ₹3,000 |
| Pesticides | ₹2,500 |
| Irrigation | ₹1,500 |
| Labor (sowing to harvest) | ₹5,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹1,000 |
| Total | ₹19,000 – ₹22,000 |
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Expected Yield and Profit Margin
- Yield per acre: 8 to 12 quintals of raw cotton
- Market price: ₹5,500 to ₹6,500/quintal (MSP as of 2025)
- Gross Income: ₹44,000 to ₹78,000/acre
- Net Profit: ₹22,000 to ₹55,000/acre
Government Schemes and Subsidies
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – Crop insurance
- Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) – Procurement support
- Subsidy on Bt cotton seeds and drip irrigation through state agriculture departments
Refer to the PMFBY Official Website for more info.
Modern Technologies in Cotton Farming
- Tractor-mounted cotton seeders
- Cotton harvesters (reduce labour cost)
- Remote sensing & drones for crop monitoring
- Mobile apps for weather, pest alerts (e.g., Kisan Suvidha, IFFCO Kisan)
Revenue Streams: By-products and Crop Sales
- Main Product: Cotton lint (fibre)
- By-Products:
- Cottonseed oil (edible oil industry)
- Cottonseed cake (used as cattle feed)
- Linters (used in currency notes, medical cotton)
This makes cotton farming a multi-revenue stream opportunity.
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Challenges in Cotton Farming
- Pest attacks like the pink bollworm
- Overuse of chemical pesticides
- Water scarcity in drought-prone areas
- Price fluctuations in the market
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Conclusion
Cotton farming in India is a rewarding venture when done with the right knowledge, inputs, and techniques. With support from government schemes, modern technologies, and multiple sources of income, it holds great potential for profitability. However, awareness about pest management and water conservation remains crucial for long-term sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which month is best for sowing cotton in India?
- June to July (rainfed), April-May (irrigated areas).
2. What is Bt cotton?
- A genetically modified cotton variety that resists bollworm pests.
3. How much profit can I make from 1 acre of cotton farming?
- Approximately ₹22,000 to ₹55,000 per acre, depending on yield and market price.
4. Which states produce the most cotton?
- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, and Punjab.
5. Is irrigation necessary for cotton farming?
- Yes, especially during flowering and boll formation.
6. Can I use drip irrigation for cotton?
- Yes, it is water-efficient and highly recommended.
7. Are there subsidies available for cotton farmers?
- Yes, under PMFBY and state-specific schemes.
8. What pests affect cotton crops the most?
- Bollworms, aphids, and jassids.
9. What kind of soil is ideal for cotton?
- Deep black soil with good drainage.
10. Is cotton farming suitable for small farmers?
Yes, especially with Bt varieties and government support.
