Why are BRS Protestors Demonstrating at Telangana BJP MP’s Residence Over Cotton Procurement?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BRS protestors demand the removal of cotton procurement restrictions.
- Police intervened to manage escalating tensions at the protest.
- Farmers are concerned about potential financial losses due to new CCI rules.
- Jogu Ramanna criticizes the Central Government for its procurement policies.
- The Agriculture Minister has reached out to Central authorities for action.
Hyderabad, Nov 5 (NationPress) A tense atmosphere unfolded at the residence of BJP MP G. Nagesh in Adilabad as BRS supporters organized a protest demanding the Central Government to lift the restrictions on cotton procurement in the state.
Members of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) gathered outside the MP's residence, creating an uproar as protestors attempted to penetrate the premises, leading to heightened tension.
Law enforcement quickly intervened, striving to manage the escalating situation. A confrontation ensued between the police and the demonstrators.
Authorities later apprehended BRS leader and former minister Jogu Ramanna, alongside other prominent figures.
This demonstration arose from grievances regarding the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) imposing restrictions on cotton procurement, which limits farmers to seven quintals per acre.
The BRS members staged their protest at the MP's residence to urge him to lobby the Central Government for the removal of these restrictions.
Jogu Ramanna publicly criticized the Central Government for establishing new procurement regulations, particularly targeting the CCI for its failure to grant exemptions for cotton with higher moisture content while simultaneously capping the total procurement amount.
The Adilabad district, which borders Maharashtra, is recognized as a significant cotton production hub, where farmers at the agricultural market yard in Adilabad town have been actively protesting against the CCI's limitations.
Recently, the CCI issued a directive to lower the procurement limit from 13 quintals per acre to just 7 quintals, inciting worry among farmers who are demanding the complete removal of these restrictions.
Farmers have also voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the current limitations on the acceptable moisture content in cotton.
Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has reached out to Union textiles minister Giriraj Singh and CCI managing director Lalit Kumar Gupta, advocating for the reversal of the new cotton procurement rules.
In his correspondence, the minister highlighted reports from District Collectors indicating that the average cotton yield in the state is approximately 11.74 quintals per acre. He expressed that the CCI's decision to reduce the procurement limit to seven quintals per acre could lead to severe financial losses for farmers.
Additionally, the agriculture minister urged the CCI to allow the procurement of cotton with moisture content up to 20 percent, which could alleviate further hardships for farmers who have already endured significant losses due to excessive rainfall.