In FY’23-24, until November 2023, India's total cotton production decreased to 31.6 million bales of 170 kg each from 34.3 million bales in FY’22-23.

The Central Zone, encompassing states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, emerged as the largest producer of cotton in India during FY’22-23. Within this zone, Gujarat was the highest contributor, producing 9.49 million bales. Saurashtra, comprising 70 per cent of Gujarat's cotton production played a pivotal role in this achievement.

In Maharashtra, Vidarbha's districts, including Yavatamal, Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Washim, and Wardha, were significant contributors to the state's cotton production.

The Southern Zone, consisting of states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, ranked as the second-largest producer of cotton in India, contributing approximately 28.5 per cent of the nation's cotton output. Telangana emerged as the leading producer in this zone and the third-largest nationally, with a contribution of 5.31 million bales

The value of India's cotton exports reached $5.3 billion in the 2023-2024 period until January 2024. However, there has been a fluctuation in export values over recent years, with $5.66 billion in 2022-23, a decline from $10.78 billion in 2021-22, and US$ 6.3 billion in 2020-21. Despite these fluctuations, cotton exports remain a significant component of India's total exports.

To further enhance the textile industry's performance, the Government of India, in collaboration with the Export Promotion Council, has set a long-term target of achieving $100 billion in textile exports by 2025-26. This objective involves increasing productivity from the current level of around 450 kg lint per hectare to at least 800-900 kg lint per hectare.