In the quiet corners of India’s countryside, subtle changes are taking root — quite literally. As the 2025 kharif season unfolds, fields that once bore the familiar white bloom of cotton are now displaying the vibrant greens of pulses and oilseeds. This isn’t just a shift in what is grown — it’s a story of adaptation, hope, and the evolving wisdom of India’s farming communities. This year, cotton cultivation in India is expected to drop by 3%, with farmers planting the crop over 11.4 million hectares, compared to 11.8 million hectares the previous year. At first glance, these numbers might not seem revolutionary. But look closer, and they reflect a significant pivot in how Indian farmers are thinking about their future.
The Heart of the Shift: Economics and Experience
Farming in India has never been easy. It’s a livelihood shaped by unpredictable monsoons, rising input costs, and fluctuating market prices. Cotton, long called “white gold,” has served as a major cash crop for millions of farmers — particularly in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana. But it comes with its own set of challenges.
Cotton cultivation demands high investments — from quality seeds to pest control, especially in regions battling the persistent threat of pink bollworm infestations. Over time, the risk-to-reward ratio for cotton has become less favorable. In contrast, pulses like tur (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), and moong (green gram), as well as oilseeds like soybeans, groundnut, and mustard, are emerging as attractive alternatives.
These crops typically require fewer inputs, are better suited to dryland farming, and have seen growing market demand in both domestic and international markets. The government’s increased focus on supporting these crops, through minimum support prices, procurement programs, and research investments, has further boosted farmer confidence.
Meet the New Contenders: Pulses and Oilseeds
So why are pulses and oilseeds drawing attention now?
1. Better Price Stability
Many farmers have expressed their frustration with the volatility of cotton prices, particularly when global markets fluctuate. On the other hand, pulses and oilseeds have seen relatively stable returns in recent years. Tur and moong, for example, often fetch higher prices during off-seasons, and oilseeds benefit from consistent demand due to India’s large edible oil import needs.
2. Lower Input Costs
While cotton requires regular pesticide spraying and intensive fertilizer use, pulses can thrive with far less. They are hardy crops, often grown in rainfed conditions, and even contribute to soil health through nitrogen fixation. This makes them more sustainable and economically viable in the long run.
3. Government Backing
The Indian government has been promoting pulses and oilseeds through schemes like the National Food Security Mission and the Oilseeds Mission. With incentives for diversification, improved seed availability, and stronger procurement frameworks, farmers feel more secure exploring these options.
Acreage Falls, But Cotton Isn’t Out Yet
Interestingly, even as cotton acreage is expected to shrink, production isn’t falling. According to USDA India Post estimates, India is still likely to produce 25 million bales (480 pounds each) in 2025 — the same as the previous year. This is because average yields are expected to improve to 477 kilograms per hectare, a 3% increase over last year’s estimate of 461 kg/ha.
This yield bump is largely due to better water availability and improved irrigation facilities in key cotton-growing regions. It shows that cotton still holds potential where conditions are favorable, particularly in irrigated zones with access to better inputs.
So, while cotton is losing ground in rainfed and marginal areas, it remains a valuable crop in high-yield, well-managed zones.
The Farmer’s Voice: What’s Driving the Change
Let’s step into the shoes — or muddy sandals — of a few farmers making these choices.
Sangita Bai, Madhya Pradesh
Sangita has grown cotton for over a decade in the drylands of western Madhya Pradesh. But in recent years, she’s found it increasingly difficult to manage rising costs. “Last year, I switched half my land to soybean,” she shares. “It needed less water and less spraying. I could sleep easier knowing I wouldn’t lose the whole crop to pests.”
This year, she’s planning to expand her soybean acreage. “I’ll keep some cotton,” she says, “but not as much as before.”
Ramesh Patel, Gujarat
Ramesh, who farms in a semi-irrigated area of Gujarat, experimented with moong in 2024 and was pleasantly surprised by the returns. “It matured faster, and the market price was better than expected,” he says. “Now, I’m trying sesame on part of my land. Cotton is still important to me, but diversification feels safer.”
These are not isolated stories. Across states, farmers are beginning to hedge their bets — moving away from the single-crop dependency that once defined their seasons.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for India
This transition holds larger significance beyond individual farms. Here’s why it matters:
1. Food and Nutritional Security
India continues to rely heavily on imports for pulses and edible oils. Increasing domestic production of these crops not only boosts farmer income but also strengthens food and nutritional security for the country. With protein-rich pulses and oil-bearing crops, India can reduce import bills and improve diet diversity.
2. Environmental Sustainability
Cotton monoculture has taken a toll on soil health, biodiversity, and water tables in several states. Diversifying into pulses and oilseeds helps rejuvenate soil, reduce chemical usage, and improve climate resilience.
3. Policy Implications
As more farmers make this shift, policymakers will need to adapt. This includes ensuring:
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Robust procurement systems for pulses and oilseeds
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Storage and processing infrastructure
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Timely availability of quality seeds
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Crop insurance schemes that accommodate diversified cropping patterns
A Gentle Revolution, Rooted in Wisdom
Change in Indian agriculture rarely comes as a thunderclap. More often, it’s a quiet ripple — a farmer trying something new on a half-acre, a neighbor watching closely, a discussion at the mandi or tea stall. Over time, these ripples build into waves.
The 2025 reduction in cotton acreage is one such ripple. It’s not a rejection of cotton, but rather a reflection of evolving priorities. Indian farmers are becoming more strategic, more risk-aware, and more responsive to shifting economic and environmental realities.
They’re choosing crops that promise not just yield, but peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Embracing a New Crop Cycle
As we look ahead, the fields of India will continue to tell stories of resilience, innovation, and quiet courage. The movement from cotton to pulses and oilseeds is just one chapter in that larger tale. To support this shift meaningfully, we must listen closely to farmers, invest in thoughtful policies, and build systems that nurture this new direction. The future of Indian agriculture isn’t about abandoning tradition — it’s about adapting it with care, compassion, and a little bit of hope.
Some of the questions and Answers
Q1: Why are farmers turning their backs on cotton in 2025?
Because cotton is no longer the safest bet. Input costs are rising, pest attacks persist, and newer alternatives like pulses and oilseeds promise better income with less stress.
Q2: Is cotton cultivation becoming a luxury?
In some areas, yes. Cotton now demands more water, pesticides, and investment — things many smallholders can’t afford. Pulses and oilseeds are easier on the land and the pocket.
Q3: Can a lentil outperform cotton in profit?
Surprisingly, yes — in the right conditions. Pulses like tur and moong often fetch strong market prices and cost far less to grow, leaving more money in the farmer’s hands.
Q4: What crop gives returns and revives the soil?
Pulses. They don’t just earn you money — they fix nitrogen, naturally fertilizing the land for future crops. Smart farming at its best.
Q5: Is India quietly shifting from cloth to food crops?
Yes, a silent shift is underway. Farmers are moving toward crops that feed the nation and fuel their incomes, not just textile mills.
Q6: Will reducing cotton affect India’s exports?
Not drastically — for now. High-yield areas still grow cotton. The acreage drop is mainly from regions where cotton wasn’t profitable. It’s a realignment, not a collapse.
Q7: What crop survives erratic rains better — cotton or soybean?
Soybean. It matures faster, tolerates dry spells better, and doesn’t need as much water or chemicals. Perfect for India’s unpredictable monsoons.
Q8: What’s the hidden benefit of shifting to oilseeds?
National self-reliance. India imports billions in edible oils. By growing more oilseeds locally, farmers help the country and gain from rising demand.
Q9: Can changing one crop reduce farming stress?
Absolutely. Farmers who switch from cotton to pulses often report fewer pests, fewer loans — and better sleep.
Q10: What’s the smartest crop choice in 2025?
There’s no one answer — but for many, pulses and oilseeds now offer the best balance of income, resilience, and sustainability.