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Wet Cotton Raises CCI Procurement Concerns

Excess Moisture in Cotton Adds to Farmers' Woes: Fear of Rejection by CCI and Low Market PricesAnjad, Barwani (Madhya Pradesh). Cotton-growing farmers are facing two major challenges regarding the sale of their produce. On one hand, there is an apprehension that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) might reject the produce during procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) due to high moisture content; on the other, there are complaints about receiving low prices from private traders.On Monday, cotton prices at the Anjad Agricultural Produce Market ranged from ₹7,900 to ₹9,510 per quintal. The Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh has demanded a price of at least ₹11,000 per quintal for farmers. Office-bearers, led by the organization's District President Anil Iske, submitted a memorandum to the market secretary.The organization demanded open bidding among all eligible traders, timely payment to farmers, and the conduct of cotton auctions in the presence of officials at the village Bhagsur.**Apprehension of Government Procurement Being Affected by Moisture**According to reports, moisture content is a crucial factor in CCI procurement. A price range of ₹8,567 to ₹8,569 per quintal is indicated for cotton with approximately 8% moisture. However, if the moisture content reaches 12%, the price could drop to around ₹8,000 per quintal. Government procurement could be adversely affected if moisture levels exceed the prescribed limits.**Procurement at Minimum Support Price Scheduled to Begin on October 15**Reports indicate that cotton procurement at the Minimum Support Price under the CCI's Indore branch is scheduled to commence on October 15. Information has been provided that slot booking for this process will begin at 9:00 AM on October 13. Farmers will be able to book slots via the market, Common Service Centers, or the relevant mobile app.According to District President Anil Iske, many farmers lack adequate space for drying and safely storing their cotton. Due to the risk of fire and pressing financial needs, farmers are unable to hold back their produce. The organization alleges that some traders quote prices ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 per quintal, citing moisture content.read more :- Cotton Prices Surge on Supply Concerns

Cotton Prices Surge on Supply Concerns

Cotton prices surge due to fears of low production and strong demand; Shankar-6 rate hits ₹68,000 per candyThe domestic cotton market has witnessed a surge driven by slow arrivals of the new crop, concerns over reduced production due to scanty rainfall, and robust demand from spinning mills. According to trade sources, cotton prices rose by approximately ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per candy last week. In Gujarat, the price of Shankar-6 cotton reached around ₹68,000 per candy. The market has also found support as farmers are holding back sales in anticipation of better prices.Domestic market sentiment has strengthened following a rally in December and March cotton futures contracts on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in the international market. Meanwhile, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has raised the auction prices for its cotton stock by ₹500 per candy (356 kg) for the 2025-26 season.**New crop arrivals and price situation**Approximately 5 lakh bales of the new cotton crop arrived across the country during the first nine days of the 2026-27 season. Reports indicate that daily arrivals totaled around 78,000 bales. This included 17,000 bales from North India, 16,000 from Madhya Pradesh, 15,000 from Gujarat, 9,000 from Karnataka, 8,000 from Andhra Pradesh, 7,000 from Maharashtra, and 6,000 from Telangana.According to Atul S. Ganatra, CMD of Radhalakshmi Group, farmers are in no rush to sell, hoping for better prices. In Gujarat, the price of Shankar-6 cotton rose from ₹64,000 on September 30 to ₹68,000 per candy. Market supported by mill demandAccording to Anand Popat of CotYarn Trade Link, prices are being supported by limited supplies and improved demand from spinning mills. However, market volatility may persist due to rising arrivals of the new crop and fluctuations in international prices.According to Ramanuj Das Boob, a cotton sourcing agent in Raichur, demand in the local market remains strong. Cotton prices have reached ₹9,700 per quintal in Raichur and approximately ₹9,200 per quintal in Telangana.read more :- Punjab Rains Damage Paddy, Cotton Crops

Punjab Rains Damage Paddy, Cotton Crops

Punjab receives 477% more rainfall than normal in 24 hours, damaging paddy and cotton cropsBathinda: Unseasonal rains during the harvest season in Punjab have damaged paddy and cotton crops. The rains flooded several grain markets, soaking paddy heaps, and disrupting the government procurement process. Farmer organizations have demanded an assessment of crop losses and compensation.According to Meteorological Department data, Punjab recorded 2.3 mm of rain in the last 24 hours until 8:30 am on Saturday, compared to the normal rainfall of 0.4 mm. This is 477% more than normal. Fazilka received the highest rainfall of 28 mm. Additionally, Faridkot recorded 9 mm, Muktsar 7.7 mm, and Bathinda 1.3 mm.Waterlogging in markets, affecting paddy procurementFollowing a three-hour storm in Fazilka on Sunday morning, the main grain market was flooded with nearly three feet of water. This caused the paddy stacks to be washed away. Goldy Sachdeva, president of the Fazilka Arhtiya Association, estimated the losses at around ₹15 crore.Arhtiyas and farmers alleged that the lack of adequate drainage and storage facilities contributed to the increased losses. In protest, the Arhtiya Association blocked the Fazilka-Ferozepur National Highway. Rain also caused disruptions in markets in Malout, Mansa, Barnala, and Bathinda.Balkar Singh, a farmer from Rattakheda village in Muktsar, said he had been waiting to sell his crop for the past eight days. The rain has increased moisture in the crop, which is likely to further delay the sale.Heavy rain and storm alert in several districtsPunjab received 40% less rainfall than normal during the southwest monsoon. Despite this, the rain at harvest time has increased farmers' concerns. By October 10, only 12% of the paddy crop had been harvested.The State Disaster Management Authority had issued a warning of thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds of up to 50-60 kilometers per hour, hailstorms, and moderate to heavy rain in several districts over the next 24 hours.Demand for Damage Assessment and CompensationAccording to Gurjeet Singh Brar, Director of the Punjab Agriculture Department, the department is gathering information on crop damage. He warned that waterlogging in fields and further rainfall could affect cotton quality.Meanwhile, Harchand Singh Barsaat, Chairman of the Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board, stated that adequate arrangements have been made for paddy procurement and that deficiencies in the arrangements will be addressed. He also clarified that there is no ban on storing crops in private yards.Farmer organizations have demanded the government immediately conduct a survey, assess crop losses, and provide compensation to affected farmers.read more :- HTBt Cotton Spreads Across India

HTBt Cotton Spreads Across India

Why is unapproved HTBt cotton spreading in India?Cultivation of unapproved herbicide-tolerant Bt (HTBt) cotton is increasing rapidly in India. According to a study by South Asia Biotechnology Center (SABC), it is estimated to be cultivated in 24-30% cotton area of the country, i.e. about 65-72 lakh acres in the Kharif season 2025-26. The main reasons for this are the increasing cost of weed control, shortage of labor and decreasing effectiveness of existing Bt cotton against pests.What is the difference between Bt cotton and HTBt cotton?Bt cotton was approved for commercial cultivation in India in 2002. It contains proteins obtained from bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis, which protect the crop from certain pests like bollworms. Its use helped in increasing cotton production in the initial years and reducing the use of pesticides.HTBt cotton has the additional trait of insect resistance as well as herbicide tolerance. With this, farmers can use herbicides like glyphosate without harming the crop. However, HTBt cotton has not been approved for commercial cultivation in India.Why are farmers adopting it?According to the SABC study, hand weeding can cost up to ₹12,000-15,000 per acre, while glyphosate-based weed control has an estimated cost of ₹750-850. However, these figures may change according to the region and farming conditions.On the other hand, the development of resistance in pink bollworm against the Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins used in the existing Bollgard-II Bt cotton is reducing its effectiveness. This has increased the demand for alternative technologies among farmers.Reason for decline in cotton productionIndia's cotton production peaked at about 39.8 million bales in 2013-14, while it declined to 29.1 million bales in 2025-26, preliminary government data showed. The main reasons for this include increasing resistance to pink bollworm, adverse weather conditions, crop diseases and reduction in cotton area.What are the concerns?The spread of unapproved HTBt seeds through the informal market raises questions about regulatory oversight and seed quality. There is also the risk of farmers not knowing the true genetic makeup of seeds and having limited options in case of crop failure.Thus, the increasing adoption of HTBt cotton highlights farmers' need for affordable weed control technology and the limitations of accepted agricultural techniques. The challenge is to provide effective and affordable options to farmers, while ensuring seed quality, environmental impact and bio-security.Research is going on to remove the resistance. In July 2026, the Sugarcane Breeding Institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research announced a partnership with Rasi Seeds to develop a cotton hybrid with a new toxin to combat pink bollworm resistance. The institute said commercial seeds may be available around 2030, depending on further development.read more :- The rupee opened at 95.16 against the dollar, strengthening by 62 paise.

World Cotton Day: District-Level Workshop in Pahuna Educates Farmers

District-level workshop held in Pahuna on World Cotton Day; farmers informed about scientific farming and pest managementPahuna. A district-level workshop for cotton farmers was organized in Pahuna on the occasion of World Cotton Day. Organized by CITI-CDRA under the Prime Minister's Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, the workshop aimed to raise awareness among farmers about scientific cotton cultivation, pest management, clean production, and methods to improve crop quality.Farmers were briefed on the project's objectives and achievements during the workshop. Govind Parashar, Project Officer at CITI-CDRA, introduced the project and outlined its key activities and goals.Dr. Ratan Lal Solanki, Senior Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chittorgarh, along with other agricultural scientists, provided information on scientific cotton farming, improved production techniques, and effective measures to protect the crop from pests. They encouraged farmers to adopt scientific agricultural practices and pay special attention to crop management.Hira Lal Salvi, Aman Vishnavat, and Abhishek Chaudhary from the Agriculture Department informed farmers about various government schemes. Meanwhile, Bharat Sharma highlighted the importance of occupational health and safety during agricultural operations. Representatives from the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) raised awareness among farmers regarding clean cotton production, quality maintenance, and the cotton procurement process.During the workshop, farmers were advised to maintain cleanliness during cotton picking and storage, prevent contamination with foreign matter, and use pesticides safely. Additionally, activities such as field visits, an exchange of suggestions, and a question-and-answer session were conducted. These activities provided farmers with an opportunity to share their challenges and gain agricultural knowledge.The primary objective of the workshop was to connect farmers with modern agricultural techniques, improve cotton quality, and promote clean and safe production practices. Adopting scientific farming and better crop management can help farmers enhance cotton quality and secure better market prices.read more :- New Textile Scheme Expected Within 3 Months

New Textile Scheme Expected Within 3 Months

Central Government to Launch New Scheme for Textile Industry in 3 Months; Calls for GST Relief IntensifySurat: Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh has announced that the central government will launch a comprehensive scheme for the textile industry within the next three months. During his visit to Surat, industry representatives met him to raise issues concerning GST, pending Input Tax Credit (ITC) refunds, and rising yarn prices.Losses for Zari Manufacturers Despite GST ReductionMetallic Zari manufacturers informed the Minister that the GST rate on their products had been reduced from 12% to 5%. However, they are facing financial losses due to the non-receipt of Input Tax Credit refunds.According to the manufacturers, they pay a higher GST rate on raw material purchases, whereas a lower rate applies to the finished product. They are incurring a loss of approximately ₹7 per kilogram due to the lack of refunds; this figure was cited by industry representatives.The representatives stated that despite raising the issue multiple times with local officials and the state secretariat, no resolution has been reached. They urged the GST Council to intervene.Demand for Monitoring Yarn PricesTextile traders expressed concern over the frequent hikes in yarn prices by spinners. They stated that this is driving up production costs for weavers and textile processors, placing financial strain on the business.Industry representatives urged the government to regularly monitor yarn prices to ensure manufacturers can procure raw materials at fair rates. Giriraj Singh assured them that prompt action would be taken to address their concerns.Demand to Raise GST Threshold for Garments Priced Up to ₹10,000The issue of GST on readymade garments was also raised during a meeting held at the office of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA). According to industry representatives, an 18% GST applies to garments priced above ₹2,500. They have sought to raise this threshold to ₹10,000 to provide relief to the textile trade; this is an industry demand, not an announced policy change.The textile industry hopes that the central government's proposed scheme will help address issues related to GST, pending refunds, and rising production costs. However, the detailed contours of the scheme and the scope of the relief will become clear only after an official government announcement.read more :- CCI Raises Cotton Prices by ₹300.

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