Cotton farmers continue to suffer

AKOLA: There seems to be no end in sight to the plight of farmers as Nafed, have not yet started procurement of the produce despite the season beginning almost a month back.
CCI had earlier announced that it would enter the cotton trading but changed its stand later saying that it may begin purchases as per the open market trend. This has upset cotton growers.Lack of agreement between Nafed and the central government has also added to the problems of cotton growers. The Centre has announced Rs 3,150 per quintal as guarantee price. However, private traders are offering Rs 4,000 price. The open market rate might have reached Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per quintal if Nafed, cotton federation and CCI had begun purchases, say sources.
CCI officials have said that over 5 lakh cotton bales would be purchased in Vidarbha for which it is ready to open 25 procurement centres. Maharashtra ministers Nitin Raut, Anil Deshmukh, Sanjay Deotale and Rajendra Mulak have demanded a price of Rs 5,500 per quintal and are expected to pursue the matter. A delegation of ministers is also likely to visit Delhi for the purpose which would also seek recognition to the Cotton Federation as nodal agency.