India’s wool industry remains an important part of the rural economy and textile value chain. Wool is used in winter clothing, carpets, floor coverings, and several industrial products. In FY24, India produced 33.69 million kg of wool. Rajasthan remained the largest producer, followed by Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Telangana, and Gujarat. The sector operates through both organised and unorganised segments and supports employment across sheep rearing, processing, weaving, and garment manufacturing.
India’s Wool Output in FY24
India ranks ninth globally in wool production and has the second-largest sheep population in the world, with 77.4 million sheep. Wool production is concentrated in a few states, especially those with arid, semi-arid, or cold climatic conditions. Rajasthan alone contributed 16,013.50 thousand kg, or 47.53% of total output. Jammu & Kashmir produced 7,770 thousand kg, while Karnataka produced 6,472 thousand kg.
Top Wool-Producing States
- Rajasthan – 16,013.50 thousand kg.
- Jammu & Kashmir – 7,770 thousand kg.
- Karnataka – 6,472 thousand kg.
- Telangana – 4,422 thousand kg.
- Gujarat – 2,083.50 thousand kg.
- Maharashtra – 1,601.28 thousand kg.
- Himachal Pradesh – 1,422.69 thousand kg.
- Uttar Pradesh – 942 thousand kg.
- Andhra Pradesh – 778.23 thousand kg.
- Haryana – 674.61 thousand kg.
Types of Wool and Production Pattern
India produces three main categories of wool. Carpet Grade accounts for 85% of total production, Apparel Grade for 5%, and Coarser Grade for 10%. Ewes contributed the largest share of wool output at 71.13%, followed by rams and wethers at 14.54%, and lambs at 14.33%. Punjab recorded the highest annual growth rate at 22.04%, followed by Tamil Nadu at 17.19% and Gujarat at 3.20%.
Industry Structure and Employment
The organised wool sector includes composite mills, combing units, spinning mills, carpet manufacturing units, and woven and knitted garment factories. The decentralised sector includes power looms, handlooms, knitting and hosiery units, and dyeing facilities. Around 1.2 million people are employed in the organised wool sector, while nearly two million work in related industries. Carpet weaving alone provides jobs to about 0.3 million people.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026