Tummala orders tight vigil on cotton procurement

Metro India News | HYDERABAD

Telangana Agriculture and Marketing Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has directed the officials concerned to ensure transparent and hassle-free procurement of cotton during the 2026-27 season, stressing that farmers must receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) without interference from middlemen. Reviewing procurement arrangements with Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) officials at Golkonda Hotel here on Tuesday, the Minister said the Central and State governments must work in coordination to protect the interests of cotton growers, particularly small and marginal farmers.

Cotton cultivation in Telangana is projected at around 46.33 lakh acres this season, with an estimated production of 25.85 lakh metric tonnes. The Centre has fixed an MSP of Rs.8,667 per quintal for Long Staple Cotton, Rs.557 higher than the previous year. Tummala warned that farmers should not be forced to sell their produce below the MSP and asked officials to prevent a recurrence of irregularities flagged during earlier procurement seasons.

The government has decided to notify 356 ginning mills across the State. The Minister directed officials to operationalize mills across all categories and districts based on requirements, preferably within 15 to 30 days, to ensure timely procurement and avoid inconvenience to farmers.