Telangana farmers demand cotton price of Rs 12,000 per quintal
Farmers' associations have urged the Central Government to intervene due to rising cultivation costs and inadequate rainfall affecting yields.
The Warangal District Committee of the Telangana Rythu Sangham submitted a memorandum to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) General Manager in Warangal on Tuesday. According to Telangana Today, the association is seeking a fixed cotton price of Rs 12,000 per quintal.
The group also demanded that the CCI undertake procurement on a commercial basis whenever market prices exceed the Minimum Support Price (MSP). They requested an investigation into complaints of unfair price reductions and action against those involved in procurement rule violations.
Telangana Rythu Sangham State Convener Somidi Srinivas said unfavourable weather and inadequate rainfall this year significantly reduced cotton yields. He stated that farmers are struggling to recover their initial investments despite heavy spending on cultivation.
Srinivas alleged that while private traders offer prices above the MSP, they exploit farmers by paying higher rates for only a portion of the produce. He claimed traders purchase the remaining cotton at Rs 200 to Rs 1,000 less per quintal, citing quality and moisture issues.
The association has called for a transparent auction system in markets to ensure fair pricing. They urged the Central Government to intervene immediately to protect farmers from alleged exploitation by private traders.