GUNTUR: Andhra Pradesh’s cotton farmers are grappling with severe distress as delayed procurement and price reductions leave them in financial turmoil. Despite the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) setting up 31 procurement centres across the State, only 20 are currently operational, with the remaining 11 yet to commence the procurement process. However, heavy rains in recent months have taken a toll on crop quality, further compounding their worries. The government-fixed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton stands at Rs 7,521, prompting many farmers to throng the CCI centres in anticipation of fair prices. Unfortunately, high moisture content in the cotton, caused by prolonged rains and winter temperatures, has led CCI officials to reject major quantities of the produce.

Source: Indian Express November 21, 2024 03:13 UTC