Government Cotton Procurement in Telangana Brings Relief to Farmers

23-Oct-2025 05:50 PM

Hyderabad. The government procurement of cotton in Telangana, South India's leading cotton-producing state, had already been announced from October 22nd, and the commencement of the procurement process is expected to bring significant relief to farmers.

Cotton harvesting had already begun in the state, but due to the lack of government procurement, farmers were forced to sell their produce at throwaway prices.

Although heavy rains and waterlogging have damaged the cotton crop in many areas of Telangana, and the acreage is lower than the normal average, the average cotton yield is expected to reach 8 quintals per acre, leading to a return to normal production.

On August 19th, the central government completely exempted cotton imports from customs duty. This decision will remain valid until December 31, 2025. This is encouraging textile mills to import large quantities of cheap cotton from abroad.

Although cotton growers expressed deep concern over the government's decision, the Ministry of Textiles assured that the entire cotton quantity would be procured from farmers.

According to the All India Kisan Sabha, cotton prices are expected to remain good this year, with improved yields. The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) should relax regulations and accept cotton with up to 18 percent moisture at the minimum support price (MSP).

Under the current rules, only cotton with 8 percent moisture is procured at the full MSP, and cotton with up to 12 percent moisture can be procured with a reduction in the support price. Government agencies refuse to purchase cotton with more than 12 percent moisture.

This year, the cotton acreage in Telangana reached only 18.61 lakh hectares, which is about 1.40 lakh hectares less than the normal average area of ​​20 lakh hectares.