This study examined the growth rates and extent of variability of area, production and productivity of cotton in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state. The Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state constituting of two divisions i.e., Amravati and Nagpur division, were purposively selected. The study was based on secondary data collected from various government publications and pertains to a period of 26 years i.e., from 1980-81 to 2005-06. To estimate growth rate of area, production and productivity of cotton, the period were grouped into two, i.e., period I (1980-81 to 1992-93) and period II (1993-94 to 2005-06). From this study it is concluded that, the Vidarbha agriculture has observed a definite change in the cropping pattern. Soybean attained important position in cropping pattern in both divisions. The magnitude of variability of area and production is observed to be small in Nagpur division whereas, productivity has been comparatively small in Amravati division. The proportion of area under cotton and kharif jowar in total cropped area has reduced in both division. The growth rate of area and yield has decreased in period II in both divisions.