Telangana Cotton Farmers Face Poor Returns and Low Yields
Pink Bollworm Infestation and Unseasonal Rains Add to Woes
Cotton farmers in Telangana are grappling with multiple challenges this season, from declining yields to poor returns on their produce. Late-season rains not only damaged the crop but also increased moisture levels, reducing the quality and market value.
Yields have fallen drastically, dropping from an average of 8-10 quintals per acre to just 3-4 quintals. "We are not happy. The pink bollworm attack brought down yields, and unseasonal rains further damaged the crop. I managed only 4-5 quintals across two acres," said a farmer from Mahboobabad district.
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has procured around 43 lakh quintals of cotton so far, offering an average price of ₹7,400 per quintal. Procurement began slowly this season due to high moisture content and delays during the festive season but gained momentum after Diwali as farmers started bringing their produce to CCI centers.
Farmers Face Reduced Incomes and Labor Shortages
Despite procurement by CCI, many farmers feel shortchanged. Raji Reddy, a farmer from Jangaon district, noted that millers were deducting 4-5 kg per quintal citing damage, further reducing their earnings. Additionally, farmers are struggling to find labor for the second picking of the crop, compounding their difficulties.
Political Spotlight on Cotton Prices
The issue has drawn political attention, with the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) alleging that farmers are being paid only ₹6,500 per quintal, despite the Minimum Support Price (MSP) being set at ₹7,500. BRS leader T. Harish Rao recently visited the Khammam market yard, demanding that the CCI establish procurement centers there.
"The middlemen are exploiting farmers by buying cotton at ₹6,500 and selling it to CCI at ₹7,500," Harish Rao alleged.
In response, the Telangana Rythu Sangham has called for the government to announce a bonus of ₹475 per quintal to support struggling farmers. The association held a state-level meeting in Warangal to address the issues plaguing cotton growers.
CCI's Appeal to Farmers
To streamline the process, the CCI has urged farmers to use its 'Cott-Ally' app or website to locate the nearest procurement centers, check MSP details, and register grievances. “We appeal to farmers not to sell their produce below the MSP. Our procurement operations will continue as long as cotton lots arrive,” said the CCI branch head in Warangal.
While the CCI is the primary buyer, private traders currently play a limited role. A local trader, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted, "The bulk of the procurement is being handled by the CCI."
With falling yields, pricing disputes, and labor shortages, Telangana's cotton farmers find themselves at a crossroads, calling for urgent support from the government and industry stakeholders to secure their livelihoods.
Read More :> Dr.Chandrasekhar Pemmasani Calls on CCI to Ensure Cotton Procurement from Farmers
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