Huge hike in MSP brings cheers to cotton growers

Huge hike in MSP brings cheers to cotton growers
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Joy of the cotton farmer knew no bounds with the minimum support price increasing unprecedentedly (Rs 2000) taking it Rs 6300 a quintal.

Kurnool: Joy of the cotton farmer knew no bounds with the minimum support price increasing unprecedentedly (Rs 2000) taking it Rs 6300 a quintal. As a result, cotton farmers from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and those from the neighbouring Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other states are making a beeline to cotton markets in Kurnool district.

Till two days ago, the MSP was only Rs 4150 a quintal, dropping from the earlier Rs 4500. But it rose sharply by at least Rs 2000 during the past 48 hours kindling new hopes among the farmers. Earlier, the MSP for cotton was so disappointing that many heartbroken farmers took the extreme step of committing suicide unable to bear with the debt burden.

The district is known for cotton market. Not only farmers from various parts of the state, but also those from other states bring cotton to the markets in the district for sale. Places like Pattikonda, Devanakonda, Adoni, Atmakuru, Nandyal, Alur, Kurnool and Kodumuru were well-known for cotton cultivation.

Despite losses and exploitation by middlemen, farmers persisted with the crop. Adoni cotton market yard, the biggest in Krunool district and the second largest in Andhra Pradesh, is noted for volume of cotton trade it handles. Due to this cotton mills are also located in the vicinity of Adoni. Earlier, a quintal of cotton was sold for Rs 4000.

The farmer used to be content with whatever MSP he got. However, this time around the MSP for cotton increased sharply to the surprise of farmers bringing cheers to them. It is attributed to shrinking of the area under cotton in Telangana and very poor yield in other states. The farmers are ebullient as they are hopeful of saving a few rupees besides clearing their debts.

By Harikishan & Ravikumar

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