December 27th 2024.
The cotton farmers in Kalahandi district are facing a challenging situation due to unpredictable weather conditions and untimely rainfall. This has caused much concern among the farmers about the potential price they may receive for their cotton in the mandis. In the past, cotton has been a highly valued crop in this region due to its exceptional quality and long fiber. However, this year, the farmers are worried about the impact of the weather on their crop and the possibility of not getting a fair price for their hard work.
According to reports, over 50,000 farmers have registered for cotton cultivation this season, covering an estimated 71,000 hectares of land. The Agriculture department has projected a production of 1.071 million quintals, which is a positive outlook. However, despite this positive projection, there are concerns about the successful implementation of cotton farming initiatives by the government. So far, only 2,121 farmers have sold around 63,000 quintals of cotton, which is significantly lower than expected. This is in stark contrast to previous years when cotton cultivation was on the same scale as paddy farming.
This year, the farmers are anxious about the sale of their cotton produce. Despite the Minimum Support Price being set at Rs 7,521 per quintal, many farmers have been forced to sell their cotton to middlemen at lower prices, bypassing the mandi system. This has resulted in a distressing situation for the farmers, and there are reports of illegal trading of cotton in the district. Some companies have been buying cotton from the mandis, while others are procuring it directly from the farmers' doorsteps. The lack of government gate systems has made it easier for illegal transportation of cotton, adding to the farmers' worries.
Cotton cultivated on the black soil of Kalahandi has high demand not only in international markets but also in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. In the past, Kalahandi farmers have successfully exported cotton to countries like Thailand and Bangladesh. However, this year, due to the harsh weather conditions, many farmers have failed to properly dry their cotton and transport it to the mandis. As a result, they are waiting for outside traders to arrive and offer better prices. Meanwhile, middlemen and agents from neighboring districts and Andhra Pradesh are taking advantage of the situation and luring farmers into selling their produce illegally.
Despite the administration's efforts to open mandis in different areas, including Karlapada, Utkela, and Uchala, the volume of cotton arriving at the mandis is not satisfactory. The farmers are also skeptical about receiving a fair price for their cotton due to the current cold weather. They are hesitant to sell their produce in the mandis and are waiting for better deals from outside traders. The administration has yet to take any steps to stop the illegal trading of cotton, which is reportedly happening in 8 to 10 locations in the district, involving up to 2 lakh quintals of cotton annually.
In conclusion, the cotton farmers in Kalahandi district are facing a difficult situation this year due to unfavorable weather conditions and concerns about receiving a fair price for their produce. Despite the government's efforts to open mandis and provide support, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as illegal trading and the impact of the weather on cotton cultivation. It is crucial for the administration to understand and address the farmers' concerns and take necessary steps to ensure a successful cotton farming season.
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