Cotton production in Telangana will increase, but farmers are worried about rain damage and low prices.
Telangana is preparing for the cotton harvesting season, which begins in October. Farmers expect higher yields this year, but are concerned about quality after heavy rains.
Officials estimate that cotton production could increase by approximately 5 to 10 percent. Production could reach 5.3-5.5 million bales compared to last year's 5-5.1 million bales. This would make Telangana India's third-largest cotton producer. Each bale weighs approximately 170 rupees per kilogram.
However, rain and attacks of sowing rot have damaged the crop. Prices are also a concern. In markets like Warangal, arrivals have just begun. Farmers are selling cotton at 900 to 1,000 rupees less than the minimum support price (MSP) of 8,110 rupees per quintal.
In Kumarambheem-Asifabad district, cotton arrivals will only begin in early November.
"In our district, arrivals will be delayed. Last year, we received around 1.8 million quintals of cotton. We expect a similar number or slightly more, although some losses cannot be ruled out," District Marketing Officer Ashwak Ahmed told South First.
At Enumamula Market Yard in Warangal, prices are around Rs. 7,440 per quintal. Since the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has not yet begun procurement, farmers are selling cotton at market prices. Many are afraid to hold on to cotton due to the risk of losses.
Cotton is widely grown in Telangana. Major districts include Nalgonda, Adilabad, Sangareddy, Nagarkurnool, Warangal, Nirmal, Asifabad, Mahabubabad, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, and Kamareddy.
August rains proved costly
The season started well. Good early monsoon rains helped farmers sow about 99 percent of the normal area by mid-August. But rains in late August led to the outbreak of ball rot, a fungal disease. Farmers fear it could lead to a 20-30 percent yield reduction in affected areas.
In Telangana, medium-staple Bt hybrids are mostly grown, with a fiber length of 20-25 mm. Under good conditions, these yield 10-12 quintals per acre. However, in some areas, such as Adilabad and Warangal, yields have dropped to 6-9 quintals per acre. Pest attacks and stunted growth have exacerbated the losses.
"The rains came at the worst possible time," said A. Padma Reddy, a farmer from Adilabad.He added, "We were expecting a bumper crop with the increase in MSP, but ball rot has severely affected us."
This year, the MSP for medium-staple cotton has been increased to Rs. 8,110 per quintal, up from Rs. 7,121 last season. But prices remain low in markets like Warangal (Rs. 7,500 per quintal) and Jammikunta (Rs. 5,500 per quintal). Traders cite global oversupply and poor quality due to rains.
Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao has asked the CCI to strictly ensure MSP procurement. He announced direct bank payments through Aadhaar verification. He stressed that Telangana's cotton is of unparalleled quality and deserves a fair price.
Confusion about MSP
Many farmers remain skeptical. A farmer from Adilabad said, "MSP is a lifeline. But if procurement is delayed and prices remain low, small farmers will suffer."
On September 19, 2025, Rao met with CCI officials to plan the season. They agreed to set up a command control room to monitor daily operations. CCTV cameras will be installed at procurement centers and ginning mills. Local monitoring committees will check weighing and quality.
A toll-free number (1800 599 5779) and a WhatsApp helpline (88972 81111) have been launched for farmers' complaints .
The Central Council of Agricultural (CCI) is also promoting digital registration. Its "Cotton Farmer" app allows farmers to book procurement slots. Agriculture officials will train farmers, including lessees, who can register via OTP with the landowner's approval. The minister also warned transport associations against charging excessive fees for transporting cotton to mills.
Nationally, cotton production is estimated to be 325-340 lakh bales in 2025-26, up from 294 lakh bales last year. Cotton acreage has declined to 113.13 lakh hectares, but improved yields are expected. Telangana accounts for 15-16 percent, behind Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The state hopes that new hybrids, better procurement, and more centers—122 this year—will help farmers. But challenges remain. Seed rot, low prices, and transportation bottlenecks can reduce profits.
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