Farmers in Kurnool struggle with CCI's stringent cotton moisture norms

Cotton farmers in Kurnool district are facing challenges due to strict moisture limits set by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). The CCI only accepts cotton with moisture content below 12 per cent, offering the full support price of Rs 7,521 per quintal for cotton with 8 per cent or lower moisture. For moisture levels between 9 per cent and 12 per cent, the price is proportionally reduced, and cotton exceeding 12 per cent moisture is rejected altogether.

This has left farmers grappling with unsold stocks, as CCI has purchased just 3.25 lakh quintals of an estimated 4 lakh metric tonnes of harvested cotton. Farmers are frustrated, with many turning to CCI centres after being offered lower prices in the open market. However, they face long waiting times and frequent rejections due to high moisture content.

Cotton cultivation in Kurnool spanned 1.97 lakh hectares this year, yielding an estimated 3.72 lakh metric tonnes. Despite CCI’s purchases amounting to Rs 240 crore, many farmers remain disheartened. They point out that CCI buys only a fraction of their produce, leaving them to sell the remaining stock in the open market at significantly lower prices.

Farmers are urging the government to reconsider moisture limits to ease their plight and help clear unsold stocks, as the current cap is causing severe economic hardships.