India, July 20 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Cotton occupies a unique position in India's agricultural and industrial economy. India is the only country cultivating all four recognised cotton species. It ranks first globally in acreage and second in production and consumption. Cotton production stood at 290.91 lakh bales in 2025-26 (provisional). Domestic consumption reached 328 lakh bales during the same period. The sector contributes nearly 19 percent of global fibre production. Recent interventions focus on productivity, quality, market access and value addition. MSP operations continue to provide price support during market downturns. The Mission for Cotton Productivity aims to raise output to 498 lakh bales by 2031....