Haryana's cotton farming is facing a severe crisis, with farmers abandoning the once-lucrative crop in favor of paddy cultivation due to repeated pest attacks, rising costs, and declining yields. The area under cotton has plummeted from 7.4 lakh hectares in 2020-21 to 3.9 lakh hectares by 2025-26, marking a 47% decrease. This shift is particularly evident in districts such as Sirsa, Hisar, and Fatehabad, where cotton previously supported local water tables. In contrast, paddy cultivation has surged to 18.37 lakh hectares in 2024-25, reflecting farmers' need for more reliable returns. The economic fallout is significant, with farmers reporting losses of around ₹15,000 per acre, as yields have drastically dropped from an average of 15-20 quintals to just 2-3 quintals. Experts attribute this decline to the breakdown of Bt-cotton's pest resistance, which has allowed pests to overcome the crop's defenses. Despite the challenges, state officials are hopeful that new financial assistance and improved seed quality will help revive cotton farming in the long run, although the transition to paddy continues to threaten Haryana's water sustainability goals.