Page 105 - Haryana Water Resources Atlas 2025

Distribution of Cotton during Kharif Season (2023)

N
otton is a significant commercial crop that requires a minimum temperature of
15°C for optimal germination under field conditions. The ideal temperature range
Cfor vegetative growth is between 21°C and 27°C, and the crop can tolerate W E
temperatures up to 43°C. However, temperatures below 21°C can be detrimental to the
crop. Favorable conditions for cotton include warm days, cool nights, and large diurnal S
temperature variations during the fruiting period, which promote good boll and fiber
Scale
development. Figure 66 depicts the districts that contribute a high percentage of the
Kms
state's cotton crop, including Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani, and Charkhi Dadri. Due to the 0 12.5 25 50 75 100
presence of advanced agricultural infrastructure and quality irrigation systems in those
districts, cotton is not grown in the northern and northeastern regions of Haryana. As
opposed to cotton, these areas would rather grow vegetables, rice, wheat, maize,
mustard, and other crops. Accordingly, it has could be said that Haryana's western and
southwestern regions are better suited for growing cotton than its northern and
northeastern regions. Notably, cotton cultivation is predominant in districts such as
Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Jind, Mahendragarh, and Fatehabad, as shown in
Graph 37.
Recognizing the cultivation pattern of cotton is crucial due to its importance as one of
India's most significant fiber and cash crops, playing a vital role in the country's
industrial and economic sectors. Cotton provides the essential raw material for the
cotton textile industry. Some districts in Haryana have favorable agro-climatic
conditions for cotton production, as indicated in Graph 37. The cotton industry in
Haryana has become an integral part of the socio-economic development of rural
communities in these districts, providing direct livelihoods to many farmers and
indirectly employing millions of people in related processes such as trade and processing.

Graph 37. District-wise Cotton crop area (2023)

Figure 66. Distribution of cotton during Kharif season (2023) Data Source-HARSAC

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