Srikakulam: Ryots yet to register details in 'e-crop', fail to follow quality norms

Srikakulam: Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) reportedly purchased only 1,991 quintals of cotton from 145 farmers in a span of five years in Srikakulam district.

The CCI had established a purchase centre at Rajam to procure cotton from the farmers directly in 2015. During the first year, only 11 farmers sold their produce at the CCI centre at Rajam and quantity was estimated to be 208 quintals.

Later in 2016, 2017 and 2018, the CCI failed to procure cotton from farmers. Again in 2019, the CCI procured 1,791 quintals of cotton from 134 farmers. This year the CCI opened its purchase centre at Rajam on November 29 but so far it is yet to receive quality cotton from farmers and start its procurement.

The reasons for the delay in procurement is stated to be the failure of farmers to register their details in 'e-crop' system, provide the required details along with Aadhaar card number and cultivation of lands by tenant farmers.

Due to these reasons, the CCI is not purchasing cotton directly from the farmers. In addition to it, the CCI procures only high quality cotton which will be in pure white colour. It will not purchase discoloured cotton and wet produce.

Government fixed Rs 5,825 as Minimum Support Price (MSP) per quintal of cotton. It is applicable only for high quality cotton with 8 per cent moisture and pure white colour variety.

"Farmers are unable to complete technical formalities and failed to follow quality norms as a result we are unable to purchase cotton," CCI Rajam procurement centre in-charge P Praveen explained. Cotton crop is being cultivated in 8,782 acres in 19 mandals across the district and its estimated annual yield every year is 61,480 quintals.