Cotton Prices Surge Above ₹8,500 Per Quintal, Farmers Get Much-Needed Relief

Key Highlights

• Cotton prices cross ₹8,500 per quintal in major markets.

• Rates trading above MSP for the 2025–26 season.

• Lower arrivals and reduced sowing boost prices.

• Cotton seed prices rise above ₹4,000 per quintal.

• Farmers advised to sell timely at current rates.

Cotton Prices 2026: After a long period of weak trends, cotton prices have finally witnessed a strong rise across major markets in India. Prices have crossed the ₹8,500 per quintal mark in several mandis, bringing relief and optimism to cotton farmers. The uptrend, which began in Maharashtra’s Akola district, is now visible in many cotton-producing regions of the country.

Cotton Prices Cross ₹8,500 in Key Markets

According to market reports, cotton prices in Maharashtra’s Akola market are currently ranging between ₹8,400 and ₹8,500 per quintal. Experts say that due to tight supply and strong demand, prices may move further up and could even touch ₹9,000 per quintal in the coming days if current conditions continue.

Prices Were Weak at the Start of the Season

At the beginning of the cotton season, market sentiment was weak. Cotton prices were trading between ₹6,500 and ₹7,000 per quintal, raising concerns among farmers about profitability. However, as the season progressed, demand increased, and arrivals declined, leading to a steady and sharp rise in prices, pushing them close to ₹8,500 per quintal.

Cotton Trading Above MSP Levels

For the 2025–26 season, the government has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at:

• ₹7,790 per quintal for medium-staple cotton

• ₹8,100 per quintal for long-staple cotton

Currently, private traders in Akola and nearby markets are offering ₹8,400–₹8,500 per quintal, which is well above MSP. Due to these better rates, many farmers are choosing to sell their produce to private buyers instead of the government agency CCI.

Key Reasons Behind the Rise in Cotton Prices

Several factors are driving the current price surge:

• Reduced the area under cotton cultivation this year

• Lower-than-expected arrivals in mandis

• Reimposition of import duties, limiting foreign cotton inflow

• Concerns over lower global cotton production

Together, these factors have tightened supply and strengthened cotton prices in the domestic market.

Cotton Seed (Sarki) Prices Also Increase

Along with cotton lint, cotton seed (sarki) prices have also seen a sharp rise. Earlier, prices were around ₹3,000–₹3,200 per quintal, but have now crossed ₹4,000 per quintal. Traders are actively stocking cotton and cotton seed due to fears of future shortages, keeping prices firm.

What Should Farmers Do Now?

Current cotton prices are favourable for farmers. Market experts advise farmers not to delay sales in the hope of a sudden big jump. Since prices are already trading above MSP in many markets, selling at the current rates can be a safe and wise decision. Market trends can change quickly, and prices may either remain high or fall suddenly.

Cotton Prices in Major Maharashtra Markets

• Amravati – ₹8,100 per quintal

• Deolgaon Raja (Buldhana) – ₹8,150 per quintal

• Ghatanji (Yavatmal) – ₹8,275 per quintal

• Hinganghat (Wardha) – ₹8,295 per quintal

• Katol (Nagpur) – ₹8,100 per quintal

• Samudrapur (Wardha) – ₹8,300 per quintal

• Sindi (Selu), Wardha – ₹8,315 per quintal

• Umred (Nagpur) – ₹8,160 per quintal

• Warora (Chandrapur) – ₹8,180 per quintal

• Wardha – ₹8,150 per quintal

Cotton Prices in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

• Adoni, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) – ₹8,749 per quintal

• Bailhongal, Belgaum (Karnataka) – ₹9,300 per quintal

• Raichur (Karnataka) – ₹8,350 per quintal

Important Advice for Farmers

The above cotton prices are based on online commodity market data and reflect the highest reported rates. Actual prices depend on quality, with long-staple cotton fetching higher rates than medium-staple varieties. Since cotton prices change daily, farmers should always check rates at their nearest mandi before selling and make decisions based on local market conditions.

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh Government’s Big Announcement for Women: ₹5,000 Monthly Income, Low-Interest Loans, and Registration Discount

CMV360 Says

Cotton prices have shown a strong recovery after a weak start to the season, crossing ₹8,500 per quintal in several markets. Lower arrivals, reduced sowing, import restrictions, and strong demand have supported this rise. With prices trading above MSP in many mandis, farmers have a good opportunity to earn better returns. However, as market trends can change quickly, timely selling at current rates remains a practical and safer option.