Andhra Pradesh cotton farmers to stage major protest at CCI office in Guntur

Cotton farmers in Andhra Pradesh plan to stage a big protest at the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) office in Guntur on December 10, demanding immediately purchase of their cotton at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Organized by the CPI-affiliated Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Association (AIKES), the protest is intended to draw attention to the severe financial losses suffered by farmers during this year’s kharif (monsoon) season. The losses are primarily due to a string of natural calamities, including cyclones, heavy rains, floods, droughts, and extensive pest attacks.

Farmers, who typically expect yields of up to 10 quintals per acre, are now reporting disastrous drops, with many harvesting only 3 to 4 quintals. The quality has also been severely compromised, with damaged bolls and discolored cotton further complicating the situation.

The association says, the procurement centers established by the Central government have created significant obstacles. Officials are reportedly citing high moisture content and imposing restrictive quality control measures. These hurdles are forcing many distressed farmers to sell their output to private traders for a paltry Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per quintal, a figure far below the government's declared MSP of Rs 8,110.

The farmers’ association is putting forth a comprehensive list of demands, including relaxation of CCI norms, immediate MSP procurement, financial relief, policy changes, increased MSP, tax relief, logistics and infrastructure, inventory and bonus.  The association has urged all affected cotton growers to participate to ensure the success and impact of the December 10 protest.