World Cotton Day: Cotton or Soybean? Rising Costs and Drought Raise Farmers' Concerns
Washim: Washim district in Maharashtra was once a major hub for cotton production; the Karanja and Manora talukas, in particular, were renowned for cotton cultivation. However, due to rising production costs, labor shortages, increasing wages for cotton picking, and market price fluctuations, farmers are gradually shifting towards other crops.
This year, cotton has been sown across 37,756 hectares in Washim district. However, the condition of the crop remains a cause for concern due to a prolonged lack of adequate rainfall. Depleted soil moisture has stunted the growth of cotton plants, leaving farmers facing the challenge of saving their standing crops.
**Cotton Acreage Shrinks Over 15 Years**
About 15 years ago, cotton was cultivated on more than 50,000 hectares in Washim district. The area under cotton cultivation has since decreased significantly; this year, sowing was limited to 37,756 hectares.
Cotton cultivation entails high costs, and the crop requires a long duration in the field. Farmers are struggling with labor shortages and rising wage costs. Amidst market price uncertainties, many are turning to crops like soybean and turmeric instead.
**Production Threatened by Lack of Rain**
A lack of adequate rainfall for nearly two months in the cotton-growing regions of Karanja and Manora has depleted soil moisture, hindering plant growth. If sufficient rain does not arrive soon, the formation of cotton bolls and the overall yield could be adversely affected.
Farmers have demanded compensation of ₹30,000 per acre from the government for crop losses. Registration Mandatory for Sales at MSP
Farmers wishing to sell cotton to the CCI at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) during the 2026-27 season are required to self-register via the ‘Kapas Kisan’ mobile app. Registration remains open until October 31, 2026.
For the 2026-27 season, the MSP for cotton has been fixed at ₹8,267 per quintal for medium-staple varieties and ₹8,667 per quintal for long-staple varieties. Farmers hope that CCI procurement will provide relief should market prices fall below the MSP.
Challenges Faced by Farmers on World Cotton Day
World Cotton Day is observed on October 7. For farmers in Washim, rising costs, labor shortages, water scarcity, weather unpredictability, and market price fluctuations remain significant challenges.
Given this situation, the farmers' priorities for the current season are to protect their standing crops, secure relief for crop losses, and obtain market support through the MSP.
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