CCI Promises Uninterrupted Purchase of Quality Cotton
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has assured farmers in Telangana and other states that it will procure raw and unprocessed cotton at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), addressing the grievances of farmers who faced price cuts due to claims of poor quality and high moisture content. The announcement comes after widespread protests by farmers across Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and other states.
CCI Chairman and Managing Director LK Gupta stated, “We will continue to buy quality cotton from farmers at MSP without any interruption.”
Farmers Protest Over Price Disparity
The protests erupted when cotton farmers in Telangana reported being paid ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 less per quintal than the MSP of ₹7,521 for premium-quality cotton. This shortfall was attributed to claims of high moisture content, exceeding the permissible limit of 12%, and downgraded quality.
Disappointed by the price disparity, farmers organized protests at district procurement centers, demanding fair treatment. In response, CCI revised its procurement norms and resumed operations to ease tensions.
Procurement Process Resumes in Major Cotton Hubs
Following the resolution, farmers are now bringing their produce to market yards in major cotton-producing areas like Nizamabad, Warangal, and Khammam. CCI’s intervention has also encouraged ginning mill owners to resume full operations, with all 318 ginning mills in Telangana expected to function at full capacity.
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Dispute Over Mill Payments
The crisis began when ginning mill owners, who process raw cotton for CCI, accused the corporation of inconsistent pricing. Initially, CCI had promised to pay ₹1,345 per cotton bale but later reduced the amount due to quality concerns. This led millers to offer farmers significantly lower prices, sparking outrage. The millers also threatened to close their factories, further escalating tensions.
However, the protests forced a resolution, with CCI agreeing to relax procurement criteria and ensuring farmers receive MSP for fair-grade cotton.
Social Media Support for Farmers
The issue gained national attention when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted in support of farmers on social media, urging fair treatment for cotton producers. His statement amplified the farmers’ plight, adding pressure on authorities to act swiftly.
The Road Ahead: Ensuring Farmer Welfare
With procurement operations back on track, CCI has called on cotton farmers to sell their produce at the nearest market yards. The corporation is optimistic that its efforts will stabilize the market and restore farmer confidence.
This decision is a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by cotton farmers, ensuring fair compensation, and fostering a more inclusive procurement system. As operations normalize, it remains crucial to maintain transparency and efficiency in the procurement process to prevent future disputes.
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