Jalgaon Cotton Production Set to Plunge 50-60% Amid Prolonged Drought

A prolonged dry spell has severely affected cotton cultivation in Jalgaon district, with the Agriculture Department estimating a 50% to 60% decline in rain-fed cotton production this year. Though farmers had initially expected a good harvest after receiving favourable early rainfall, the subsequent drought has significantly reduced yield prospects. Cotton sowing area also fell to 4.35 lakh hectares from the usual 5.5 lakh hectares, as farmers reduced planting amid poor market prices.

The production decline will ripple through the region's ginning and pressing industry, which depends heavily on local cotton supplies. Khandesh hosts over 150 ginning and pressing factories that process cotton and employ thousands of workers. Annual production typically averages 15 lakh bales, but is now projected to drop to 8-9 lakh bales this year—nearly 50% below normal levels. Factory operations are expected to reduce from three shifts to single-shift working.