Hyderabad: Agriculture and Marketing Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao directed officials to ensure smooth and transparent cotton procurement during the 2026-27 season.
Tummala reviewed arrangements with Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) officials at Golconda Hotel in Hyderabad on Monday. He asked them to prevent difficulties for farmers at every stage.
The Minister said officials must protect farmers who work hard to raise cotton. He warned that the actions of a few individuals should not damage the reputation of the entire procurement system.
“Farmers must survive for us to survive,” Tummala said, asking officials to keep farmers’ interests at the centre of their work.
He called for coordination between the Central and State governments to ensure MSP benefits reach eligible cotton farmers.
Tummala said the government had begun preparations nearly two months before the expected harvest. He said early planning would help officials address operational issues in advance.
Telangana has a large number of small and marginal farmers who depend on rain-fed cotton cultivation. Therefore, the Minister asked officials to prepare the procurement system well ahead of the season.
He also ruled out any role for middlemen. Officials must ensure direct and transparent purchases from farmers, he said.
Furthermore, Tummala directed officials to examine shortcomings identified by the Vigilance and Enforcement Department during previous seasons. They must take preventive measures to stop similar irregularities from recurring.
Cotton procurement to expand through more mills and CCI centres
The State expects cotton cultivation across about 46.33 lakh acres in 2026-27. Officials estimate production at around 25.85 lakh metric tonnes.
The Centre has fixed an MSP of ₹8,667 per quintal for Long Staple Cotton this season. The rate is ₹557 higher than last year’s MSP.
Tummala instructed officials to ensure that every eligible farmer receives the MSP benefit. Farmers should not have to sell cotton below the MSP, he said.
The Minister directed officials to notify 356 ginning mills and ensure their timely operation. He asked authorities to activate L1 to L12 category mills according to local requirements.
If mills become available in all districts within 15 to 30 days, farmers will have easier access to procurement facilities, he said.
The State had 122 CCI procurement centres last season. This year, the number has increased to 131.
Tummala asked officials to make all 131 centres operational before cotton arrivals increase. Areas expecting heavy arrivals should get additional centres where necessary.
Similarly, officials should link villages and mandals without nearby ginning facilities to the closest notified mill. This would reduce the distance farmers travel to sell their produce.
The Minister directed District Collectors to ensure effective functioning of district-level monitoring committees. He also asked them to include farmer representatives in these committees.
Meanwhile, officials must regulate cotton arrivals at market yards and ginning mills. Local committees can extend procurement hours beyond 6 pm when required.
Kapas Kisan app changes aimed at helping farmers
Tummala sought a simpler slot booking system on the Kapas Kisan app. Officials should inform District Collectors and District Marketing Officers before opening slots and create widespread awareness among farmers.
He proposed a multiple barcode facility linked to a farmer or mobile number, as required. Officials should also ensure quick transfer of crop booking data from NIC to the Kapas Kisan app.
The Minister asked authorities to announce the State’s average yield according to local conditions. AEOs should issue digital Yield Certificates promptly to farmers who record higher yields.
Such certificates would help those farmers complete procurement without unnecessary delays, he said.
Tummala also directed authorities to establish cotton testing laboratories in major producing districts where required. Every notified ginning mill must have equipment to check Staple Length, Micronaire and moisture levels.
He further instructed officials to keep CCTV systems operational at all procurement centres. They must also check weighing machines regularly.
Cotton procurement monitoring and farmer grievance support
The Minister called for extensive awareness campaigns on MSP, procurement centres, quality standards and Kapas Kisan app slot booking.
Officials should use Rythu Nestham programmes, village activities, posters and pamphlets to provide information to farmers.
Farmers can seek assistance through the toll-free helpline 1800 599 5779 and WhatsApp chatbot 88972 81111. Every market yard should also operate its dedicated help desk effectively.
If congestion or pending arrivals develop at a procurement centre, officials must make alternative arrangements immediately.
State and district committees, Agriculture and Marketing departments, CCI and other agencies should maintain continuous coordination throughout the season.
Tummala stressed that MSP for every eligible farmer remained the main objective.
“The main objective is to ensure MSP for every farmer. We will take serious action against negligence or violations at any level. If any action or irregularity causes loss to farmers during cotton procurement, we will hold those responsible accountable,” he said.
He directed all concerned departments, committees and CCI officials to work collectively and ensure that every eligible farmer receives the MSP benefit.