iGrain India - The condition of cotton farmers in Telangana is dire, with multiple challenges impacting their livelihood this year. The situation has worsened due to a combination of factors, primarily the adverse weather conditions and pest infestations.
Weather and Pest Damage: farmers in Telangana faced a severe setback when rains at the end of the crop season damaged the standing crops. The excessive moisture increased the cotton's moisture level, leading to lower market prices. Furthermore, the pink bollworm infestation severely affected the cotton during its growth phase, compounding the issue and leading to a significant decline in the quality of the yield.
Decline in Productivity: The productivity per acre has drastically decreased, with farmers reporting yields that are less than half of what they harvested last year. This sharp reduction in production further worsened their financial situation.
Procurement and Prices: The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has been procuring cotton, but the price being offered remains low. So far, 43 lakh quintals have been procured, with the average rate set at ₹7,400 per quintal. However, this price is insufficient to cover the losses incurred due to the poor crop yield and high input costs.
Political Fallout: The crisis has now taken a political turn. Telangana Raitu Sangham, a farmers' union, has demanded a bonus of ₹475 per quintal from the government to support the farmers who are suffering due to the low prices and poor harvest. This call for a bonus has added pressure on the state government to address the issue promptly.
Support from CCI: The Cotton Corporation of India has urged farmers to make use of the 'Cott-Ally' app and website for updates on procurement centers and Minimum Support Prices (MSP), to help them navigate the procurement process more efficiently.
Overall, Telangana's cotton farmers are grappling with multiple difficulties, and without additional support, their situation is unlikely to improve soon.