0 Views
Updated On:
Cotton prices cross ₹8,500 per quintal across key markets. Lower supply, strong demand and import curbs push rates above MSP, bringing relief to cotton farmers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Adoni, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) – ₹8,749 per quintal
Bailhongal, Belgaum (Karnataka) – ₹9,300 per quintal
Raichur (Karnataka) – ₹8,350 per quintal
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.
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.