Cotton Acreage Growing in Kumaram Bheem Asifabad
Farmers in Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district have long prioritized cotton cultivation due to favorable soil, climate, and market access. Reduced irrigation requirements and better market prices are also contributing to the shift in cotton cultivation.
A major reason for the increasing cotton acreage is the central government's increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Last year, the MSP for cotton was ₹8,110 per quintal, while this year it has been increased to ₹8,667 per quintal. This represents an increase of ₹557 per quintal compared to last year. The continuously increasing support price has increased farmers' interest in cotton cultivation.
Cotton cultivation estimated at 3.70 lakh acres
According to officials, the area under cotton cultivation in the district is increasing every year. In the last monsoon season, cotton was cultivated on approximately 3.40 lakh acres. This year, this area is estimated to increase to 3.70 lakh acres. The district's black soil is considered favorable for cotton cultivation. Furthermore, the hope of better prices for the crop is also attracting farmers to cotton.
This monsoon season, a total of 452,202 acres of various crops are expected to be cultivated in the district's 15 divisions. These include cotton on 370,919 acres, paddy on 42,228 acres, sugarcane on 20,817 acres, soybean on 1,326 acres, and maize on 668 acres. Other crops are estimated to be grown on 11,254 acres.
Farmer Gajela Santosh stated that the district's black soil is suitable for cotton cultivation. Due to the good prices received last year, better prices are expected this year as well. If the rains are favorable, a good yield is likely.
read more:- Rain Disrupts Cotton Picking in Khargone
