Top 10 Wool Producing States in India: Rajasthan Leads With Nearly Half of National Output

India’s wool industry plays an important role in the country’s textile sector and rural economy, with several states contributing significant volumes of raw wool each year. At the top of the list is Rajasthan, which produces nearly half of the nation’s wool and remains the largest wool-producing state by a wide margin. Rajasthan’s dominance is supported by its large sheep population and well-established wool processing infrastructure, enabling it to contribute around 47 % of India’s wool output.

Jammu & Kashmir ranks as the second-largest wool producer, accounting for nearly a quarter of the country’s total output. The state’s climate and terrain support breeds that produce quality wool, particularly in high-altitude regions where sheep husbandry is a significant livelihood.

Other major wool producing states include Gujarat, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh. Together with Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir, these states contribute roughly 85 % of the nation’s wool production, highlighting how concentrated wool output is in a few regions. Gujarat’s contribution reflects its mix of livestock and agricultural activity, while Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh benefit from smaller but consistent sheep rearing practices in their rural areas.

Beyond the top five, several additional states also feature in the broader wool-producing landscape. Karnataka and Telangana have historically been significant producers, with substantial annual wool output, while Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh each contribute smaller but noteworthy quantities.

Here is a typical ranking of the top 10 wool producing states in India (measured in thousands of kilograms per year):

1. Rajasthan – by far the largest producer
2. Jammu & Kashmir – second biggest wool contributor
3. Gujarat – sizable output from western India
4. Maharashtra – consistent production in central India
5. Himachal Pradesh – hill region producer
6. Karnataka – significant historical producer
7. Telangana – known for quality wool
8. Uttar Pradesh – modest contributor
9. Haryana – regular wool output
10. Andhra Pradesh – among the top producers nationally

Wool from these states supports a range of industries, including carpet weaving, garment manufacturing and traditional hand-loom sectors. Rajasthan’s wool, especially carpet-grade wool, is sought after for its quality and consistency. Rajasthan alone accounts for nearly half of the wool used domestically for textiles and related products.

The overall wool production in India has experienced fluctuations over the years due to changes in livestock patterns and economic factors, but the contribution of these key states remains central to the sector’s vitality. Continued attention to animal husbandry and processing infrastructure in these regions is likely to influence future production trends.