Cotton farmers in Andhra Pradesh are set to stage a protest at the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) office in Guntur on December 10, demanding immediate procurement of cotton at the minimum support price (MSP) declared by the government.
Organized by the Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Association (AIKES) front organization of the CPI, the protest will highlight the severe losses suffered by farmers during this year’s kharif season due to cyclones, heavy rains, floods, drought and pest attacks.
Expected yields of 10 quintals per acre have come down to 3 quintals to 4 quintals, with damaged bolls and discolored cotton aggravating the situation.
Shopping centers set up by the central government have reportedly created hurdles, citing high moisture content and imposition of restrictive measures, forcing many farmers to sell their produce to private traders at ₹5,000-6,000 per quintal, well below the MSP of ₹8,110.
The farmers’ association demands relaxation of CCI standards, immediate purchase of products in SMEs, input subsidies and crop insurance in case of losses, implementation of the recommendations of the Dr. MS Swaminathan, raising MSP to ₹ 12,000, GST waiver on farm inputs, government funded transport, establishment of shopping malls in all cotton growing areas, liquidation of 2.5 lakh warehouses and CCI bonuses. Rs 3,000 per cent.
The association called on all concerned farmers to participate to ensure the success of the protest.
Published – 05 Dec 2025 0:15 IST
