Why is KTR Criticizing the Centre and Telangana Over Cotton Procurement Crisis?
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Synopsis
K.T. Rama Rao, the BRS working president, has raised significant concerns regarding the cotton procurement crisis in Telangana. With farmers struggling to sell their produce, he demands immediate government intervention. Discover the implications of this situation on the agricultural community and the responses from political leaders.
Key Takeaways
- KTR criticizes government inaction
- Farmers face significant financial losses
- Urgent government intervention needed
- Allegations of corruption in procurement process
- Historical context of government intervention
Hyderabad, Nov 16 (NationPress) K.T. Rama Rao, the working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has vehemently condemned both the Central and Telangana State administrations for what he termed as “callous disregard” towards the critical cotton procurement crisis that is currently affecting the state.
Expressing his concerns, Rao remarked that countless cotton farmers who have worked tirelessly throughout the year are now facing challenges in selling their harvest, while both governing bodies “remain inactive”.
KTR, as he is widely known, urged the Centre to take immediate action to alleviate the plight of farmers and accused both the BJP-led Central government and the Congress-led Telangana government of collectively failing to support the agricultural community.
In a statement released on Sunday, he noted that despite approximately 50 lakh acres being dedicated to cotton cultivation this year, the government has shown neither urgency nor empathy towards the ongoing crisis.
He highlighted that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has made several trips to Delhi but has not effectively addressed the cotton issue. Additionally, MPs from both Congress and the BJP have allegedly not pressured the Centre adequately. “A government that ought to support farmers is watching helplessly,” KTR remarked.
He strongly denounced the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for not procuring cotton based on moisture content, issues with Kapas Mobile App registration, and allegations of corruption in ginning mills and their grading.
KTR pointed out that due to these obstacles, farmers are not receiving the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 8,110 per quintal, while the open market is only offering Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000, resulting in losses of nearly Rs 2,000 per quintal.
The BRS working president also noted that CCI has only procured 1.12 lakh tonnes to date—alarmingly low compared to the season’s target of 28.29 lakh tonnes—demonstrating a clear escalation of the procurement crisis.
He called on the Telangana administration to promptly send a delegation to Delhi and formulate an action plan to exert pressure on the Union government, recalling previous instances where the then CM KCR personally intervened to secure relief for farmers.
Point of View
It is crucial for both the Central and Telangana governments to take immediate action to support farmers. The ongoing negligence could lead to severe consequences for the agricultural sector, which forms the backbone of India's economy. Ensuring that farmers receive fair prices and support is not only a political responsibility but also a moral imperative.
NationPress
16/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main issues facing cotton farmers in Telangana?
The cotton farmers are struggling with inadequate procurement prices, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of government intervention.
What has K.T. Rama Rao demanded from the government?
K.T. Rama Rao has demanded immediate action from the Centre to alleviate farmers' distress and criticized the lack of urgency from both the Central and Telangana governments.
How much cotton has the Cotton Corporation of India procured?
So far, the Cotton Corporation of India has only procured 1.12 lakh tonnes, which is significantly lower than the target of 28.29 lakh tonnes for the season.
