Andhra Pradesh cotton growers struggle with delayed procurement and price cutbacks despite bad weather
Cotton farmers in Andhra Pradesh are facing a growing crisis due to delayed procurement and price cuts, aggravated by unfavourable weather conditions. The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has set up 31 procurement centres across the state, but only 20 are operational, leaving farmers in many areas unable to sell their produce.
After suffering losses last season due to fake seeds and falling prices, farmers had hoped for better returns this year. However, heavy rains have significantly affected the quality of the crop, adding to their woes. The minimum support price (MSP) set by the government for cotton is ₹7,521, attracting farmers to CCI centres in search of a fair price.
*Rejection due to moisture levels*
Prolonged rains and cool temperatures have led to very high moisture content in harvested cotton, with levels exceeding the acceptable 8%-12% limit. As a result, CCI officials have rejected a large amount of produce, leaving farmers unable to sell their produce at MSP rates. Many farmers are forced to sell their cotton to middlemen at much lower prices.
"It costs us more than Rs 15,000 to transport cotton to the procurement centre. If our produce is rejected, this cost doubles, further increasing our financial burden," lamented K Raghava Rao, a farmer from Medikonduru.
Allegations of deliberate delay
Farmers from Kurantula village have accused the local CCI officials of delaying procurement citing server problems and making them wait for hours. They expressed their disappointment to Union Minister of State for Rural Development Pemmasani Chandrasekhar during his visit to the procurement centre.
Government intervention
Responding to farmers' complaints, the minister raised the issue with Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh. Following this, Central Marketing Director Vijay Kuradagi has been appointed as the special inspection officer to investigate the matter.
Farmers are now requesting the government to address their concerns by either increasing the permissible moisture limit or adjusting procurement rates for weather-affected crops. Without intervention, they fear falling further prey to middlemen and deepening financial losses.
Read More :- Cotton prices jump amid concerns of lower production in 2024/25
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