A likely meeting on Monday between the textile ministry and industry stakeholders over rising cotton rates has left the farmers in Vidarbha anxious.
With smartphones being used even in the hinterland, media reports of Monday’s meeting have been quickly shared in villages. As cotton growers of the region are now waiting for more news on the meet, this has also left them miffed.
The textile industry has been demanding measures to reduce cotton rates, which have touched Rs10,000 a quintal and cut in import duty on the commodity. Farmers say this would take away the once-in-decade opportunity for them to get a decent rate.
“For years, cotton prices have been fetching minimum support price (MSP) or slightly below it. Now, if the rates are high for a single year, the industry is seeking government intervention. Arun Sekhsaria, managing director of export firm DD Cotton, said, “There seems to be no need for intervention. It’s part of the business as even farmers’ income needs to go up.”
“Why should the farmers compromise always. Even the industry and the consumer should be ready to shell out more,” said Anil Ghanwat, president of Shetkari Sanghatana. Ghanwat was also a member of the Supreme Court-appointed committee on the now-scrapped three farm laws.
