Hyderabad, Nov 18 (NationPress) K.T. Rama Rao, the working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), along with senior party officials, traveled to Adilabad district on Tuesday to gain insights into the challenges faced by farmers, especially those involved in cotton and soybean cultivation.

While at the Adilabad Market Yard, K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) spoke with numerous farmers who voiced their grave concerns regarding the current procurement crisis.

As per BRS, the farmers claimed that both the Central and State governments have entirely disregarded their requests and have not extended any assistance.

The farmers expressed frustration that despite Congress's assurances of substantial relief for the agriculture sector, the government has failed to uphold any commitments. Essential support needed for selling their harvested crops has not been forthcoming.

Following his discussions with farmers, KTR addressed reporters and questioned the State government's motives. "If farmers are not facing any issues, why is the Adilabad Market Yard closed today? Why was our visit to meet farmers obstructed?" he inquired.

KTR condemned the drastic decline in cotton and soybean procurement practices, noting that such a scenario has never occurred in history.

He critiqued the 'Kisan Kapas Mobile App', highlighting that many farmers lack smartphones and several areas in Adilabad still have inadequate mobile network coverage.

KTR pointed out that due to unexpected rainfall and severe cold, the moisture content in cotton has naturally surged.

He reminded attendees that during the previous tenure of the BRS government, cotton with a moisture content of 20–22 percent was procured after applying pressure on the Centre.

"However, today, they refuse to purchase even cotton with a moisture content of 12 percent. Farmers are left with no alternatives and are being pushed into despair," he stated.

KTR mentioned that not even one lakh quintals of cotton have been procured to date. He alleged that the government seems to be colluding with private traders to take advantage of farmers.

The BRS leader criticized the arbitrary rule limiting cotton procurement to just 7 quintals per acre, despite Adilabad's fertile lands yielding 10–15 quintals per acre. "Where should farmers sell their excess produce?" he questioned.

He chastised the State government for engaging in "political theatrics", asserting that they organized a video conference with the Centre solely because BRS leaders were visiting farmers.

Moreover, he noted that the recent Cabinet meeting neglected to address the cotton crisis impacting over half of Telangana's districts.

KTR further accused the Congress government of contributing to crises at every level of agriculture - including power supply, fertilizer distribution, and now crop procurement.

He also criticized the BJP-led Central government for permitting cotton imports and eliminating import duties, thus harming the prospects of domestic farmers.

The BRS leader warned that without significant pressure on the Centre, the State government will be unable to resolve this crisis. "Protests are the only viable solution. BRS will unwaveringly support farmers," he declared.

KTR demanded an immediate end to the fingerprint requirement, the 12 percent moisture restriction, and the 7 quintals-per-acre rule.

He insisted that cotton must be procured even without the Kisan Kapas app and called for a compensation of ₹20,000 per acre for all farmers affected by heavy rainfall.

KTR urged local BJP and Congress leaders, MPs, and Union Ministers from Telangana to pressure the Centre to ensure "justice" for farmers.

KTR also encouraged farmers to join the National Highways Blockade set for November 21, organized collaboratively by farmer unions and various political parties in Adilabad.