Cotton is more than just a crop in India—it’s a lifeline for millions. Known as the “white gold,” cotton not only fuels the textile industry but also directly supports the livelihoods of over 6 million farmers and 40–50 million workers involved in its processing and trade. India is one of the few countries where all four cultivated cotton species grow commercially, making it a unique and diverse cotton producer globally.
This article offers a complete guide on cotton cultivation in India, based on information provided by the National Food Security Mission.
Source: nfsm.gov.in
1. Major Cotton Growing Zones in India
India is home to ten key states where cotton is grown, and they can be categorized into three distinct zones:
- North Zone: This includes Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- Central Zone: Here, you’ll find Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
- South Zone: This zone comprises Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
In addition to these major areas, cotton is also cultivated in smaller quantities in states like Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tripura. Cotton farming is an important part of the agricultural landscape in India, supporting many livelihoods and contributing to the economy.
2. Cotton Species Grown in India
India grows four main cotton species:
| Species | Common Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Gossypium arboreum | Asiatic cotton | Native to India; diploid (2n=26) |
| G. herbaceum | Desi cotton | Diploid; adapted to dry conditions |
| G. hirsutum | American/Upland cotton | Tetraploid; 90% of global production |
| G. barbadense | Egyptian/Sea Island | High-quality long staple fiber |
3. Climate and Soil Requirements
- Climate: This plant loves warm, tropical, and subtropical areas. It grows best when the temperature is between 21 and 27°C, and while it can handle heat up to 43°C, it doesn’t do well if temperatures fall below 21°C.
- Soil: It thrives in deep, well-draining black clay or alluvial soil. Just make sure the soil isn’t waterlogged, as too much moisture can be harmful.
4. Crop Season & Sowing Time
- North India, the cropping season typically runs from April to May for irrigated farming, while June and July are designated for rain-fed.
- South India has a longer growing period from July to November for rain-fed agriculture, with an additional summer sowing season in February and March.
- Tamil Nadu: September–October (main season)
5. Land Preparation For Cotton cultivation
- In North India, land is plowed and leveled after the wheat harvest.
- In Central and South India, deep plowing is done before monsoons.
- Ridges and furrows help conserve moisture and manage weeds.
6. Sowing Methods
- Commonly done with seed drills or by dibbling in rainfed areas.
- Dibbling ensures uniform spacing and good germination, especially for Bt cotton.
7. Seed Rate & Spacing For Cotton cultivation
Seed rate and spacing vary with species and region. For example:
- G. hirsutum (Northern irrigated): 20–22 kg/ha at 75 × 15 cm
- Hybrids (Southern irrigated): 2–3 kg/ha at 90 × 60 cm
- Bt hybrids: 1.5 kg/ha with spacing depending on hybrid
8. Irrigation Requirements
- Total water need: 700–1200 mm
- Critical stages: Flowering and boll formation
- Methods: Flood, furrow, and drip irrigation (preferred for hybrids)
9. Fertilizer Management For Cotton cultivation
Fertilizer dosage differs across zones:
| Zone | Varieties NPK (kg/ha) | Hybrids NPK (kg/ha) |
|---|---|---|
| North | 60–100: Based on soil test | 100–160–240 N with Zn & foliar |
| Central | 40–80:20–40:20–40 | Up to 240–120–120 |
| Southern | 40–90:20–45:20–45 | Up to 150–60–60 |
Bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter and Azospirillum are recommended.
10. Weed Management
- Critical period: First 70 days after sowing
- Methods: Hoeing, harrowing, mulching
- Herbicides: Fluchloralin or Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i./ha
11. Intercropping and Cropping Systems For Cotton Cultivation
| State | Intercrops |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Green gram, black gram, soybean |
| Gujarat | Groundnut, black gram |
| Karnataka | Chilli, onion |
| Tamil Nadu | Onion, groundnut, black gram |
| Punjab & Haryana | Cotton-wheat, no intercrop |
12. Major Pests and Disease Management For Cotton cultivation
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Jassids, Thrips | Methyl demeton or Dimethoate |
| Whiteflies | Triazophos or neem-based pesticides |
| Bollworms | Synthetic pyrethroids, HNPV |
| Bacterial Blight | Streptocycline spray |
| Grey Mildew | Wettable sulphur or carbendazim |
| Leaf Curl | Use resistant varieties like HS-875, LHH-144 |
13. Government Schemes Supporting Cotton Farmers
A. Mini Mission II (MM-II) under Technology Mission on Cotton
Implemented from 2000–2014 in 13 states to boost production via:
- Farmer training
- Field demonstrations
- Input subsidies (seeds, drip systems, bio-agents)
B. National Food Security Mission – Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC)
Launched in 2014–15 in 15 states. Focus:
- Frontline demonstrations
- Capacity building
- 60:40 funding ratio (Center:State); 90:10 for hilly/Northeast states
C. RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana)
States can propose cotton projects under this scheme, subject to approval.
14. Minimum Support Price (MSP)
| Year | Medium Staple (Rs/quintal) | Long Staple (Rs/quintal) |
|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | 2800 | 3300 |
| 2016–17 | 3860 | 4160 |
15. Production & Trade Statistics (2016–17)
- Total Arrivals: 10.43 lakh bales (as of Oct 21, 2016)
- Top Export Markets: Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Indonesia
- Top Import Sources: Australia, USA, Mali, Egypt
Read more – 10 Best Money Making Agriculture Business Ideas for 2025
Conclusion
Cotton cultivation plays a crucial role in India’s agricultural and industrial landscape. For many farmers, it’s not just a crop; it’s a way of life. By embracing smart farming techniques like adapting to climate change, managing pests effectively, using water efficiently, and practicing crop rotation, these farmers can not only enhance their yields but also improve their livelihoods. Programs such as the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and the Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme (MM-II) provide vital support, helping farmers thrive and ensuring the cotton industry continues to flourish. This vibrant sector not only sustains many families but also contributes significantly to the nation’s economy.
Source: National Food Security Mission – Cotton Brief Note
Shivank patyal is a versatile blogger with a B.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology and 5 years of experience writing about agriculture, sustainability, and entertainment topics. With expertise in digital marketing and field experience in crop cultivation, Shivank provides practical insights for farmers while also engaging readers with content on diverse subjects. Passionate about sharing knowledge, Shivank combines education and creativity to connect with a wide audience.
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