CCI to start cotton procurement in Punjab in a week

CHANDIGARH: The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has assured the Punjab government that it will start procurement of the cotton crop in the state for the year 2017-18 within a week.

The assurance was given by CCI officials to additional chief secretary, development, MP Singh during a joint meeting held here on Wednesday, according to an official spokesperson.

The meeting was attended by officials of Cotton Corporation of India, agriculture department and Mandi Board.

The officials also discussed the issue of sale of cotton below the minimum support price (MSP).

Though the governmentfixed MSP for cotton is ₹4,220 per quintal, farmers are not being paid adequate price for their produce.

Most of the state farmers are getting between ₹3,900 and ₹4,300 per quintal and staring at losses.

The spokesperson said the chief minister has directed the deputy commissioners of the cotton-producing districts to ensure that farmers get remunerative prices for their produce as per quality and gradation.

Also, senior officials have been instructed to regularly monitor the progress of ongoing procurement.

The directives followed a review meeting chaired by the chief minister a few days ago to assess the progress regarding cotton procurement.

THE GOVT MSP FOR COTTON IS ₹4,220 PER QUINTAL, BUT FARMERS ARE NOT BEING PAID ADEQUATE PRICE FOR THEIR PRODUCE