Government sets up 550 cotton procurement centers, ensuring farmer access and logistics efficiency
New Delhi: The government has set up 550 cotton procurement centers—the highest number ever—operating across all 11 cotton-producing regions, ensuring farmer access and logistics efficiency during peak arrivals.
To align procurement with regional crop preparation, procurement operations are planned to commence from October 1 in the Northern region (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan), from October 15 in the Central region (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha), and from October 21 in the Southern region (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu).
In a decisive step to ensure robust preparedness ahead of the 2025-26 Kharif cotton season, Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, conducted a comprehensive review of Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations with key officials from all cotton-producing states, the Cotton Corporation of India Limited (CCI), and the Ministry of Textiles. "Their intervention reflects the Ministry's commitment to a transparent, efficient, and farmer-centric procurement mechanism," the Ministry said. Considering cotton is a key sector for millions of farmers, the Ministry is implementing a national strategy to ensure hassle-free procurement, timely payments, and digital inclusion. During the meeting, clear guidelines were laid down, and states were urged to ensure complete alignment with MSP operational norms.
The 'Kapas-Kisan' app facilitates farmer self-registration, 7-day rolling slot booking, and real-time payment tracking. All states have been advised to conduct extensive awareness campaigns to maximize farmer registration and usage. According to the Ministry, "Farmers are encouraged to complete registration on the app by October 31 to avail MSP benefits. Existing users on state platforms (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana) are advised to verify their records on the mobile app."
The government reiterated its commitment to complete digitization and financial inclusion. Payments will be made directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through NACH, with SMS alerts sent at every stage, from bill generation to payment confirmation. Local Monitoring Committees (LMCs) have been formed at each center for strict monitoring. CCI has also launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline to promptly address farmers' concerns. All eligible cotton farmers are advised to register immediately and leverage digital tools to avoid distress sales.
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