Table of Contents
Introduction
Cotton (Gossypium) is one of India’s most valuable cash crops, often referred to as “white gold” due to its high market demand and economic significance. It plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector, supporting millions of farmers and driving the textile industry, which is the backbone of India’s economy.
Beyond textiles, cotton has diverse applications, including medical supplies, cosmetics, and home furnishings. Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 cotton-producing states in India for 2021-22 in detail.

Top 10 Cotton-Producing States in India
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Telangana
- Rajasthan
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Odisha

Maharashtra

Maharashtra ranked first in cotton production in India in 2021-22, with a total output of 8,249.24 Thousand Bales, contributing significantly to the country’s total production. Cotton was cultivated over an area of approximately 44,099.7 km² in the state. The major cotton-producing regions in Maharashtra are Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Khandesh.
Gujarat

Gujarat ranked second in cotton production in 2021-22, with a total output of 7,509.34 Thousand Bales. The crop was cultivated over 22,837 km² in the state. The major cotton-producing regions in Gujarat include Saurashtra and Kachchh.
Telangana

Telangana held the third position in cotton production in 2021-22, recording 3,54.67 Thousand Bales. Cotton cultivation spanned approximately 18,890 km² across the state. The key cotton-producing regions in Telangana are Warangal, Karimnagar, Adilabad, and Nalgonda.
Rajasthan

Rajasthan ranked fourth in cotton production in 2021-22, with an output of 2,480.99 Thousand Bales. The crop was grown over 7,558.6 km². The major cotton-producing regions in Rajasthan include Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Bikaner.
Karnataka

Karnataka stood fifth in cotton production in 2021-22, contributing 1,954.60 Thousand Bales. Cotton farming covered approximately 6,740 km² in the state. The key cotton-producing regions in Karnataka include Raichur, Dharwad, and Yadgir.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh ranked sixth in cotton production in 2021-22, with a total output of 1,707.62 Thousand Bales. The crop was cultivated over 5,540 km² in the state. The major cotton-producing regions in Andhra Pradesh include Kurnool, Guntur, Anantapur, and Prakasam.
Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh stood seventh in cotton production in 2021-22, recording 1,419.76 Thousand Bales. Cotton farming was carried out across 5,600 km² in the state. The key cotton-producing regions in Madhya Pradesh include Khargone, Dhar, and Burhanpur.
Haryana

Haryana ranked eighth in cotton production in 2021-22, with an output of 1,316.06 Thousand Bales. The crop was cultivated over 6,356 km². The major cotton-producing regions in Haryana include Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad.
Punjab

Punjab held the ninth position in cotton production in 2021-22, with a total output of 645.99 Thousand Bales. Cotton farming covered an area of 2,513 km² in the state. The key cotton-producing regions in Punjab include Bathinda, Mansa, and Fazilka.
Odisha

Odisha ranked tenth in cotton production in 2021-22, contributing 625.91 Thousand Bales. Cultivation extended across 1,931.1 km² in the state. The major cotton-producing regions in Odisha include Kalahandi, Bolangir, Rayagada, and Nuapada.

Top 10 States in India Based on Cotton Productivity
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Odisha
- West Bengal
- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Telangana
- Punjab
- Madhya Pradesh
- Puducherry
Fun Facts About Cotton
- Cotton becomes stronger when wet, unlike other cellulosic fibers like rayon and wood pulp, which lose strength.
- Archaeologists have found traces of cotton bolls and fabric in Mexico dating back at least 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest known fibers used by humans.
- Many countries, including the USA, use cotton to manufacture banknotes, with US currency made of 75% cotton and 25% linen for durability.
- The Chinese spacecraft Chang’e 4 successfully carried cotton seeds to the far side of the moon, marking a breakthrough in space agriculture.
- Cotton is not just valued for its fiber; its seeds are used for animal feed and cottonseed oil.
- As a biodegradable and natural fiber, cotton is an eco-friendly choice that decomposes faster than synthetic materials, reducing environmental impact.
- Cotton remains one of the most widely used natural fibers in the global textile industry, playing a crucial role in economies worldwide, including India.
Common FAQs
Q. Which state is the largest producer of cotton in India?
A. Maharashtra ranked first in cotton production in India in 2021-22.
Q. Which state ranked second in cotton production in India in 2021-22?
A. Gujarat secured the second position in cotton production in India in 2021-22.
Q. What are the top five cotton-producing states in India?
A. The top five cotton-producing states in India in 2021-22 are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.
Q. Which state had the largest area under cotton cultivation in 2021-22?
A. Maharashtra had the largest cultivated area under cotton in 2021-22.
Q. What is the total area under cotton cultivation in India in 2021-22?
A. The total area under cotton cultivation in India in 2021-22 is 123,715.2 km².
Q. To which botanical family does cotton belong?
A. Cotton belongs to the Malvaceae family.
