Adilabad Cotton Prices Hit ₹9,260 per Quintal Amid Drought Concerns
By yash chouhan 2026-10-24 12:20:18
Maximum Cotton Price in Adilabad Reaches ₹9,260 per Quintal; Drought Threatens Yield
Hyderabad: In the Adilabad district of Telangana, the maximum price for cotton reached ₹9,260 per quintal on October 22, 2026, with a modal price of ₹9,000 per quintal recorded on the same day. This maximum price was ₹593 higher than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹8,667 per quintal set for long-staple cotton. However, a lack of rainfall and the prospect of a prolonged dry spell are causing growing concern among farmers.
Surge in Cotton Prices in October
On October 5, the price of cotton in Adilabad stood at ₹7,450 per quintal. It rose to ₹8,500 per quintal by October 20, followed by a recorded price of ₹8,250 per quintal on October 21. Subsequently, on October 22, the maximum price climbed to ₹9,260 per quintal—an increase of ₹1,810 per quintal compared to the price on October 5.
Fear of Crop Damage Due to Drought
In several parts of the district, reduced soil moisture has led to reports of cotton plants drying up and bolls bursting prematurely. Farmers fear that if there is no rainfall, the yield per acre could decline.
Crops in areas with black soil may fare better than those in regions with red soil, as black soil retains moisture for longer periods. However, the actual extent of the damage can only be assessed following a formal crop survey. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential impact of El Niño; however, without confirmation of its direct influence, it cannot be definitively cited as the cause for the crop damage. 18 Procurement Centers Identified
According to District Collector Rajarshi Shah, 33 ginning mills and 18 procurement centers have been identified in the district to ensure the smooth procurement of farmers' produce. In Adilabad, cotton has been cultivated over an area of approximately 4.37 lakh acres, and a strong harvest arrival is expected this season.
According to reports, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) did not commence procurement on the first day due to high moisture content in the cotton. However, this information awaits official confirmation. Private traders are offering prices above the Minimum Support Price (MSP); however, for government procurement, the cotton must meet specified quality standards.
In the coming days, factors such as rainfall, crop quality, and the volume of arrivals at the markets (mandis) will determine the direction of the cotton market. If there is a significant decline in production, the total income of farmers could be adversely affected, even if prices remain high.
