Andhra Pradesh Cotton Farmers Struggle Under CCI’s Strict Moisture Norms
By DHEERAJ GUPTA 2025-01-07 18:57:28
Cotton farmers in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Kurnool district, are facing significant challenges due to strict moisture limits imposed by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
Under current norms, CCI offers the full Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹7,521 per quintal only for cotton with moisture content of 8% or less. If moisture levels fall between 9% and 12%, the price is reduced proportionately. Any cotton exceeding 12% moisture is rejected outright.
This has created serious marketing difficulties for farmers. Of the estimated 4 lakh metric tonnes of cotton produced in the district, only about 3.25 lakh quintals have been procured by CCI so far, leaving a substantial quantity unsold.
CCI has initiated procurement through 15 ginning mills across market committees in Mantralayam, Adoni, Yemmiganur, and Kodumur. However, due to low prices in the open market, most farmers prefer selling to CCI. Many, however, are unable to do so because their produce fails to meet the moisture criteria.
Farmers are also experiencing long waiting times at procurement centres, adding to their distress.
Cotton cultivation in Kurnool covered around 1.97 lakh hectares, with an average yield of 15 quintals per hectare, resulting in an estimated total production of 3.72 lakh metric tonnes. By the end of December, CCI had procured 3.24 lakh quintals from nearly 14,000 farmers, amounting to purchases worth ₹240 crore.
Despite this, many farmers remain dissatisfied. Some report that only about 40% of their total produce is being accepted by CCI, forcing them to sell the remaining stock in the open market at significantly lower prices.
Farmers are now urging the government to relax the moisture norms or provide additional support measures, so that more of their produce can be procured at the full MSP and their financial burden can be reduced.
