CCI stays away as private traders offer above-MSP rates for cotton in Adilabad

Private traders offered a record-high price of Rs 9,260 per quintal for cotton in Adilabad on the first day of procurement, exceeding the MSP of Rs 8,667 per quintal. While the CCI stayed away from procurement citing high moisture content, farmers were encouraged by the higher rates offered by private buyers.

Adilabad: The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) did not come forward to purchase cotton produce on the first day of the procurement process which was formally commenced here on Thursday. However, in a strange situation, private traders offered a higher rate than the minimum support price (MSP) for cotton, cheering farmers.

Collector Rajarshi Shah, along with Agriculture Market Chairman B Srikinath Reddy broke a coconut and performed prayers to begin the procurement at a weighing machine in the yard. Rajarshi Shah said that all arrangements were in place to procure the cotton without causing inconvenience to the farmers. He noted that steps were taken to ensure a supportive price to the growers.

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Though the arrangements were made, the CCI did not show interest in purchasing the cotton, apparently citing high moisture content upsetting the farmers for a while. However, private traders quoted Rs 9,260, which was the highest price in Telangana, as against the MSP fixed by the government at Rs 8,667 per quintal cotton containing 8 percent moisture, delighting the farmers.

The Collector asked the officials to take steps to avoid inconvenience to growers by creating basic amenities such as shades, drinking water and display boards at the procurement centres. He said that sufficient staffers were assigned to carry out the smooth procurement of the cotton. He advised the farmers to take preventive measures to sell cotton with low moisture content.

According to the officials, 33 ginning mills and 18 procurement centres have been identified to purchase the cotton across the district. Committees were formed to monitor the procurement process. The farmers can avail meals for Rs 1 at the centres. Officials were instructed to have coordination between the marketing, CCI and other departments.

Cotton crop has been cultivated in 4.37 lakh acres, while the yield is expected to be 42 lakh quintals.