A significant increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton, coupled with favorable weather and monsoon conditions, has led to a rise in cotton sowing across major producing states during the current Kharif season. States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Karnataka are witnessing a surge in cotton acreage as farmers show renewed interest in the crop. According to official data as of June 30, 2025, cotton acreage in Gujarat has increased from 12.73 lakh hectares to 14.00 lakh hectares, in Karnataka from 3.75 lakh hectares to 4.67 lakh hectares, and in Rajasthan from 4.31 lakh hectares to 5.89 lakh hectares. However, in Maharashtra, the area under cotton cultivation has reached 25.57 lakh hectares, which is still 2.07 lakh hectares lower than the 27.64 lakh hectares recorded during the same period last year. Despite lower production during the ongoing 2024�25 marketing season (October�September), domestic cotton prices remained well below the MSP. To protect farmers from potential losses, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), under the Ministry of Textiles, stepped in and procured around 10 million bales (each weighing 170 kg) of cotton at MSP rates, providing crucial support to the farming community. The Central Government has announced a hike in MSP for the 2025�26 season. The MSP for medium-staple cotton has been raised by ₹589 to ₹7,710 per quintal, while long-staple cotton's MSP has been increased by ₹587 to ₹8,110 per quintal.