Maharashtra: The future of cotton farmers is in jeopardy! They are not getting the right price in the market, and government procurement centers are also empty.
Nagpur: The cotton sector plays a significant role in boosting Vidarbha's economy. Millions of farmers depend on it, but this time, prolonged rains have darkened the cotton farmers' Diwali, leaving them uncertain about their future. Prices are not being received in the open market. The government is offering higher rates, but there are numerous conditions that have prevented farmers from reaching the centers.
Similarly, the government has asked for registration on the "Cotton Farmer" app. So far, 3.9 lakh farmers from Vidarbha have registered, but none have been able to reach the centers. It is true that the rains have prevented farmers from receiving funds. This has exacerbated their distress, leaving them with no option but to wait.
Rates low, crops wet
People associated with the cotton sector say that the cotton is wet due to the rain. This is why cotton farmers were unable to reach the market by Diwali. The situation remains the same. Cotton has up to 20% moisture, while government agencies are purchasing cotton with 8 to 10% moisture.
In this situation, farmers are left with no option to sell their cotton, as private players are offering ₹7,200-₹7,300 per quintal for cotton, while the government's MSP is ₹8,110. Bhavesh Shah of the Vidarbha Cotton Association says that the price of cotton in the international market is ₹7,100-₹7,200 per quintal. Consequently, traders are unwilling to buy such expensive cotton.
Government procurement is the only option
Traders say that given the current price dynamics, government procurement centers are the only option for farmers. Private players will only be able to purchase rejected produce, while farmers will have to rely on MSP for quality produce. However, government procurement is being delayed and access to key areas is negligible. This has created problems.
337 submitted tenders for procurement centers
Shah stated that CCI had invited tenders to set up procurement centers. Approximately 377 ginning mills in Vidarbha submitted tenders. Of these, 40-42 were rejected. 337 were approved, but the conditions are such that setting up procurement centers is difficult. He stated that for the convenience of cotton farmers, more centers need to be established so that they can sell their cotton in their vicinity.
This will save them time and transportation costs. CCI is only selecting L-1 bidders, while it is important for farmers' interests that L-1, L-2, and L-3 bidders also have a chance. The simpler the CCI process, the easier it will be for farmers to sell their produce.
CCI Opens 89 Centers
Brajesh Kasana, Deputy General Manager of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), Vidarbha, stated that 89 CCI centers have been established in Vidarbha. Due to rain, farmers are unable to reach the centers. Only 4-5 centers have sporadically started procurement. He said that CCI is ready to open centers.
All procedures for this have been completed. He said that the government has launched the 'Kisan Kapas' app for procurement. Nearly 3.9 lakh farmers from Vidarbha have registered on it. It has the option to select the center and time. Farmers can reach the nearest center at their convenience and sell their cotton.
read more :- State asks CCI to lift cotton purchase ban
