Telangana farmers demand higher cotton price amid poor yields

The Telangana Rythu Sangham has urged the Central Government to fix the cotton price at Rs 12,000 per quintal, citing rising cultivation costs and poor yields. It also sought CCI procurement at market rates and action against alleged irregularities.

Warangal: Citing rising cultivation costs and inadequate rainfall, farmers’ associations have urged the Central Government to fix the price of cotton at Rs 12,000 per quintal in Telangana. They have also demanded that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) undertake procurement on a commercial basis whenever market prices exceed the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The Warangal District Committee of the Telangana Rythu Sangham submitted a memorandum to the CCI General Manager in Warangal on Tuesday.

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The association demanded a price of Rs 12,000 per quintal and an investigation into complaints of unfair price reductions. It also sought action against those involved in irregularities or violations of procurement rules. Further, it called for a transparent auction system in markets to ensure that every cotton farmer receives a fair price.

Speaking on the occasion, Telangana Rythu Sangham State Convener Somidi Srinivas said unfavourable weather conditions and inadequate rainfall this year had significantly reduced cotton yields. Farmers had invested heavily in cultivation but were now struggling to recover even their initial investment, he said.

Srinivas pointed out that private traders were offering prices above the MSP. However, he alleged that traders were exploiting farmers by paying higher rates for only a portion of their produce. They were purchasing the remaining cotton at Rs 200 to Rs 1,000 less per quintal, citing moisture content and quality issues, he said.

“Why is the CCI not procuring cotton on a commercial basis when market prices are higher than the MSP?” Srinivas asked.

The Telangana Rythu Sangham urged the Central Government to intervene immediately and protect cotton farmers from alleged exploitation by private traders.