Cotton procurement started across Telangana on Wednesday, bringing relief to farmers waiting for weeks to sell their produce. The Telangana State Marketing Department opened procurement centres in all major cotton-growing districts.
Officials said the government had set up nearly 350 centres to ensure smooth buying operations. The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) will purchase cotton directly from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
To prevent delays, district collectors have instructed local market officials to monitor the process closely. Farmers have been urged to bring clean, dry cotton to get the best price.
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said the government will ensure timely payments. “Our goal is to protect farmers from private traders who exploit them,” he stated. He added that quality testing machines have been installed at all centres.
Many farmers in Adilabad, Karimnagar, and Warangal expressed satisfaction over the prompt start of procurement. “We are happy that the government acted quickly this year,” said farmer Ramesh Goud from Warangal.
