BackECONOMY
Haryana’s cotton fading as farmers shift to water-intensive paddy
The article reports a crisis in Haryana's cotton farming as pests, rising costs, and poor yields push farmers toward paddy. Paddy cultivation has expanded while cotton area has fallen sharply, raising groundwater concerns and challenging state policy.
Why It Matters
The shift to paddy could hasten groundwater depletion and worsen Haryana’s environmental footprint, with implications for water security and farmers’ livelihoods.
Timeline
9 Events
Article published: Haryana’s white gold loses lustre as cotton farmers shift to paddy
May 15, 2026
The article was published on May 15, 2026, detailing the crisis in cotton farming, the shift to paddy, groundwater concerns, and related policy responses.
Rice production climbs to 71.37 lakh MT in 2025-26
2026
Haryana’s Economic Survey 2025-26 reports rice production has climbed to 71.37 lakh metric tonnes.
Last Kharif season causes net loss for cotton farmers
2025
CCSHAU estimated that cotton farmers suffered a net loss of ₹15,143 per acre during the last Kharif season.
Cotton production declines to 9.75 lakh bales in 2025-26
2025
Cotton production dropped to 9.75 lakh bales in 2025-26, the lowest in seven years.
Cotton area falls to about 3.9 lakh hectares in 2025-26
2025
Official data show Haryana’s cotton area declined sharply to around 3.9 lakh hectares in 2025-26.
Paddy area increases to 18.37 lakh hectares in 2024-25
2025
The area under paddy expanded to 18.37 lakh hectares in 2024-25, according to the state's data.
Paddy area reaches 15.33 lakh hectares in 2021-22
2022
The area under paddy in Haryana rose to about 15.33 lakh hectares in 2021-22.
Five years ago: Sirsa farmer shifts from cotton to paddy
May 15, 2021
Gurjit Singh Mann, a former cotton grower from Sirsa, said that five years ago 70% of his 50 acres was under cotton; he has since shifted entirely to paddy.
Cotton area around 7.4 lakh hectares in 2020-21
2020
Official data show Haryana’s cotton area was around 7.4 lakh hectares in the 2020-21 season, marking the start of a broader decline in cotton cultivation.