Cotton Procurement Crisis: Farmers Seek Extension of CCI Deadline
2026-03-17 12:00:03
Cotton Procurement Crisis Deepens, Farmers Demand Extension of CCI Purchase Deadline
The ongoing challenges in cotton procurement across Maharashtra are intensifying, leaving farmers in a state of growing uncertainty. There is a strong demand that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) should keep procurement centres open until the end of April and ensure that all farmers—whether registered or unable to secure slot bookings—are allowed to sell their produce.
While Agriculture Minister Dattatreya Bharne stated in the state assembly that the agricultural sector remains stable, the ground reality in the Vidarbha region tells a different story. In Yavatmal district alone, over 40,000 farmers are still waiting to complete registration for cotton sales, highlighting the scale of the issue across the state.
This year’s Kharif season has been particularly difficult for cotton growers due to prolonged and heavy monsoon rains. Early harvests were damaged as cotton got wet, leading to quality deterioration. In addition, delayed picking and a shortage of labour have significantly increased production costs, forcing farmers to pay higher wages.
Although the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton is ₹8,110 per quintal, market prices have largely remained between ₹6,000 and ₹7,000, pushing farmers toward CCI procurement centres. However, procurement has been inconsistent this season. Centres opened late, and for the first time, registration was made mandatory through the ‘Cotton Kisan App’, creating difficulties for many farmers due to limited smartphone access and poor internet connectivity in rural areas.
Even after registration, farmers faced another major hurdle—mandatory slot booking for selling cotton. Many were unable to secure slots due to limited availability, raising concerns about whether their produce would be procured at all.
Farmers initially expected procurement to continue until the end of March, as in previous years. However, after the February 28 deadline, CCI extended procurement only until March 15. Due to delays and holidays, actual procurement activity lasted only a few days at several centres.
Recognising the severity of the situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has written to Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh requesting an extension of cotton procurement until April 30, 2026.
Farmers are now demanding that CCI extend procurement operations until the end of April and include all affected growers, especially those unable to register or book slots.
Adding to their distress, many farmers had stored cotton expecting better prices. However, earlier sales by CCI at lower rates weakened market prices, offering little relief to growers. From cultivation to marketing, farmers say policy decisions have consistently added to their difficulties rather than easing them.
