CCI procures 40.37 lakh bales of cotton in Telangana, benefiting nine lakh farmers

The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has procured 40.37 lakh bales of kapas worth Rs 15,556 crore in Telangana as of March 17, 2025, benefiting nine lakh farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

In response to a question from Telangana Congress MP Vamsi Krishna Gaddam, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur stated the Centre sets Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for 22 crops, including cotton, ensuring a 50 percent margin over production costs. The CCI acts as a nodal agency to prevent distress sales when market prices drop below MSP. To support farmers, 110 procurement centers have been set up across 30 districts, including Peddapalli, Warangal, and Khammam.

Gaddam raised concerns about cotton farmer’s distress due to price fluctuations and input costs, questioning the government's steps to improve credit access and insurance coverage. Thakur highlighted initiatives like the strengthened Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the National Crop Insurance Portal, and the ‘Digiclaim Module’ to ensure timely claim settlements.