India's cotton production for the 2025-2026 marketing season is estimated at 290 lakh bales [1].

This decline in output impacts one of the world's largest cotton producers, potentially affecting textile supply chains and domestic pricing for raw materials.

The Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption provided the estimate following a meeting held in Mumbai [1]. The committee said the projected output is approximately seven lakh bales less than the previous year [1].

The current marketing season began on Oct. 1, 2025 [1]. The committee's findings come after a meeting conducted on July 29, 2025, to assess the trends in production and consumption [1].

While the committee identified the drop in volume, the report did not specify the primary drivers behind the decrease in yield. The 290 lakh bale estimate serves as the benchmark for the current season's supply expectations [1].

Cotton production for the 2025-2026 marketing season is estimated at 290 lakh bales.

A reduction in cotton output in India can lead to tighter global supplies of raw cotton, potentially driving up costs for garment manufacturers. Because India is a critical hub for both production and textile exports, even a modest drop of seven lakh bales can signal shifts in crop health or land usage that affect international trade balances.