Centre responds positively to AP cotton farmers’ issues: Minister Achennaidu

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture, Cooperation, Animal Husbandry, Marketing, Dairy and Fisheries Minister K. Achennaidu said the Central Government has shown encouraging progress on the proposals earlier submitted by the State regarding the problems faced by cotton farmers.

In a statement, the minister explained that the Centre has already taken decisions on three out of the six key recommendations made by the State and has begun implementing them. This, he said, has helped ease several issues related to cotton procurement. Procurement centres across the State have started reopening and operations have begun in phases.

However, due to the impact of Cyclone Montha, the quality of cotton has deteriorated, making it difficult for farmers to meet the strict standards set by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). Considering these difficulties, the State has urged the Centre to also approve the remaining three proposals:

• Allowing L1, L2 and L3 ginning mills to operate simultaneously for smoother procurement;

• Permitting CCI to purchase cotton with 12-18% moisture by applying proportionate price deductions;

• Procurement of rain-affected or discoloured cotton with suitable price reductions.

Achennaidu said that he clearly explained the urgency of these demands to ensure immediate relief to farmers. According to him, Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh responded positively, and the State expects favourable decisions soon. “We will continue to follow up with the Centre until all issues are fully resolved,” he assured.

The minister said cotton was cultivated in 5.39 lakh hectares across the State during the 2025-26 kharif season, with an estimated production of around 8 lakh metric tonnes. The State Government has already issued guidelines to ensure that CCI purchases cotton at Minimum Support Price (MSP). District-level committees headed by Joint Collectors and field-level committees led by district marketing officers have been formed to oversee the procurement process.

In total, 11 market yards and 64 ginning mills have been designated as procurement centres. So far, 19 ginning mills have purchased 72,240 quintals of cotton worth ₹56.59 crore from 2,793 farmers.

Though all procurement centres are now open, Achennaidu noted that full-scale operations may take a little more time due to high moisture levels in cotton, incomplete harvests in some districts, and farmers waiting to combine first and second pickings for sale.

The minister also instructed that agriculture assistants in villages help farmers with slot-booking on the Kapas Kisan App and the CM App to ensure smooth procurement.