The MSP of medium staple cotton for 2022-23 Kharif season is Rs 6,080. , photo credit: Nagra Gopal
While cotton farmers in many states have demanded an increase in cotton prices Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the crop, the Center has said it is “watching” the cotton production scenario and take a decision accordingly.
A senior official of the Union Ministry of Textiles told Hindu That at present the domestic prices are higher than the MSP of cotton. “The MSP operations will start once the prices come down. At this time, it is not necessary. We are fully prepared to come to MSP.
MSP for Medium Staple Cotton Kharif season 2022-23 ₹6,080. Though farmers said they got a much higher price than the MSP for their produce, it was insufficient considering the rise in prices of input items such as seeds, pesticides and fertilisers.
For Prafulla Khandadia, a cotton farmer in Rajkot, while the fortunate absence of the pink bollworm – a major threat – meant a comfortable production, he had to contend with other problems.
“The income from cotton was not good in the last four years. So I have not cultivated cotton on about 60% of my land. Sowing was low, but production was good. The harvest is happening. It will be over by mid-February,” he said.
Mr Khandadia is currently able to get Rs 8,500 per quintal. “It is more than the MSP. Last March, some farmers even got Rs 15,000 per quintal but the production was very less. Considering the increased cost, the MSP should be at least Rs 10,000 per quintal. We are selling the crop for ₹8,500 for our domestic and agricultural needs.
The cotton crop has ended in Punjab. In Fazilka, a major cotton belt in Punjab, farmers are getting an average of around ₹8,200 per quintal. “The average yield for one acre here was only three quintals. We used to get at least 15 quintals from one acre. We are demanding compensation for the cotton farmers. The seed supply companies are the main culprits for our losses. They should be held accountable for supplying poor quality seeds. Cotton is a cash crop for us. Our life depends on it. But companies are looting us.
Ajit Navale, Maharashtra secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha, said that some farmers in Maharashtra have received up to Rs 12,000 per quintal. However, some have reduced production due to pink bollworm attack.
“Prices are good because of the global situation. Imports have come down and that is why farmers are getting good prices. We have been demanding that import of cotton should be banned at any cost. Import of cotton should also be stopped. Cotton seeds also have good demand and price as it is used as cattle and poultry feed.