High Moisture in Cotton Hits Farmers Across States, Prices Fall Below MSP
Cotton farmers in Telangana and Maharashtra are facing distress as high moisture content in their produce has led to lower market prices, often falling below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), which handles MSP procurement, says moisture levels are the main reason for rejection or price cuts.
Farmers in Telangana report that cotton prices in several mandis have dropped significantly. “They are lowering prices, saying the moisture content is above the acceptable limit,” said a farmer from Warangal (name changed).
Heavy rainfall and recent flooding have left harvested cotton wet in several regions, increasing moisture levels. According to CCI Chairman and MD Lalit Kumar Gupta, acceptable moisture levels are between 8–12%, but samples in some areas have shown levels as high as 20–25%. He advised farmers to properly dry cotton before bringing it to procurement centres.
Due to recent festivals, arrivals at mandis have also been delayed. Around 90,000 bales arrived on Monday, taking total procurement to about 1.2 million bales this season.
Cotton Association of India President Atul Ganatra has urged the government to allow procurement of cotton with moisture levels up to 18%, stating that continuous rains have worsened the situation. He added that farmers are being forced to sell cotton at ₹3,000–₹6,000 per quintal, well below MSP.
While arrivals are lower by around 400,000 bales compared to last year, the CCI remains optimistic that better weather will improve the situation. “Sunny days will help reduce moisture levels,” Gupta said.
Political criticism has also emerged. The BRS has accused the Telangana government of failing to support farmers, despite promises of a ₹500 per quintal bonus. However, the state agriculture minister has advised farmers to dry their produce before selling.
The government has fixed MSP at ₹7,121 per quintal for medium-staple cotton and ₹7,521 for long-staple cotton, but actual prices vary depending on moisture content. Officials say nearly half of incoming cotton lots in some areas have failed moisture tests.
CCI has issued advisories across cotton-growing states, while many farmers are now choosing to delay sales in hopes of better prices in the coming days.
