Gujarat leads in cotton production for 2023-24 crop year

Gujarat has emerged as the top cotton producing state in India for the 2023-24 crop year, with a record 90.57 lakh bales of cotton produced, surpassing other major states like Maharashtra and Telangana. India's total cotton production for the year is estimated at 325.22 lakh bales.

The data, shared by the Ministry of Textiles in response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha, highlights the state's dominance in cotton production. In addition to strong production figures, Gujarat has seen significant growth in cotton textile exports, contributing heavily to India's textile industry.

The government is also working to enhance the global reach of Indian textiles by implementing export schemes like the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) and Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP). Furthermore, India’s focus on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries is set to open new markets for Indian cotton products.

A key initiative, Kasturi Cotton Bharat, has been developed to promote premium, certified Indian cotton, with 47,600 bales certified under the brand. Gujarat’s cotton industry continues to play a pivotal role in India’s textile sector growth, with the state’s export value for cotton textiles reaching $3.6 billion in 2023-24.