Cotton Procurement Price Reaches ₹9,000 per Quintal in Ghodegaon, Maharashtra; Farmers Distressed by Low Yield
Ghodegaon (Maharashtra): Cotton procurement has gained momentum in Ghodegaon, located in the Nevasa taluka of Maharashtra. Here, cotton is being purchased from farmers at prices reaching up to ₹9,000 per quintal. With Diwali approaching, farmers are arriving at the market to sell their produce. However, despite the favorable procurement price, low yields and rising cultivation costs have intensified the financial concerns of the farmers.
This year, the cotton crop has been adversely affected by erratic rainfall and other unfavorable conditions. Farmers invested significantly in land preparation, sowing, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and irrigation. Despite this, they have not achieved the expected output. Due to the low yield, the total income from cotton sales is likely to decline, making it a challenge for farmers to even recover their cultivation expenses.
Financial Distress Persists Despite Prices Reaching ₹9,000
While the procurement price of ₹9,000 per quintal in Ghodegaon has provided some relief, the low production means this price is insufficient to resolve all the farmers' financial challenges. During the Diwali season, farmers must cover expenses such as purchasing clothing for their families, procuring provisions, and meeting other festive needs—all while also having to repay loans taken for agricultural purposes.
Cotton from Ghodegaon Being Sent to Gujarat
Cotton procured from Ghodegaon and its surrounding areas is being transported to Gujarat, with large quantities currently being sent there. However, it is reported that the total local cotton production this year is significantly lower compared to the previous year.
Farmers Seek Financial Assistance from the Government
Farmers have urged the government to conduct a proper assessment of crop losses and the decline in production, and to provide timely financial assistance to eligible farmers. They emphasize that, given the low yields and escalating cultivation costs, higher market prices alone are not enough to provide adequate relief. They also need government assistance to overcome the economic crisis.
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