Guntur: Cotton farmers across Andhra Pradesh are facing deep uncertainty as the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) continues to delay procurement operations for the current season. Despite repeated assurances, procurement centres remain non-functional, leaving thousands of growers vulnerable to exploitation by private traders offering rates far below the official Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The Centre's announcement of an MSP of ₹8,110 per quintal had initially raised hopes of financial relief. But in the absence of timely procurement, farmers in key cotton-producing districts—Guntur, Kurnool, Anantapur, and Prakasam—say they are being forced to sell at throwaway prices ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 per quintal.
Many farmers have accused the CCI of "bureaucratic negligence" for not opening centres despite favourable harvest conditions. "Every year, they make big promises, but when the crop arrives, we're left waiting. By the time centres open, most of us have already sold to repay loans," said a farmer from Guntur.
The much-publicised Kapas Kisan App, launched to simplify registration and provide market updates, has also failed to deliver. Farmers report technical glitches, lack of guidance, and no real-time support. "It's just another app with no accountability," said a cotton grower from Kurnool.
Agriculture experts warn that the delay could trigger a financial crisis for cotton farmers, many of whom rely solely on the crop for annual income. "CCI's slow response has created panic in rural markets. Without swift intervention, small and marginal farmers will suffer heavy losses," said an agricultural economist.
Despite mounting criticism, officials insist procurement will begin soon, citing administrative delays. But with prices already collapsing, farmers fear irreversible damage. Unless CCI acts quickly and opens all centres, the festive season may turn bleak for Andhra Pradesh's cotton growers.
