New Delhi:
The government has set up 550 cotton procurement centres — the highest ever — operational across all 11 cotton-growing regions. This move ensures better accessibility for farmers and enhances logistical efficiency during peak arrivals.
To align procurement with regional crop readiness, operations are scheduled as follows:
– Northern Zone (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan): from October 1
– Central Zone (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha): from October 15
– Southern Zone (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu): from October 21
In a decisive effort to ensure robust preparedness ahead of the Kharif Cotton Season 2025–26, Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, led a comprehensive review of Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations. The review included key officials from all cotton-growing states, the Cotton Corporation of India Ltd. (CCI), and Ministry of Textiles representatives.
“Her intervention reflects the Ministry’s commitment to transparent, efficient, and farmer-centric procurement mechanisms,” said the ministry.
Recognising cotton as a critical sector for millions of farmers, the Ministry of Textiles is steering the national strategy to ensure hassle-free procurement, timely payments, and digital inclusion.
During the meeting, clear guidelines were established, and states were urged to ensure complete alignment with MSP operational norms.
### Digital Tools to Empower Farmers
The ‘Kapas-Kisaan’ app enables self-registration for farmers, offers 7-day rolling slot booking, and provides real-time payment tracking. States have been advised to conduct extensive awareness campaigns to maximise farmer registration and app utilisation.
Farmers are encouraged to complete registration on the app by October 31 to avail MSP benefits. Existing users on state platforms (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana) are advised to verify their records on the mobile app, according to the ministry.
### Commitment to Digitisation and Financial Inclusion
The government reaffirmed its commitment to full digitisation and financial inclusion. Payments will be made directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via the National Automated Clearing House (NACH), with SMS alerts sent at every stage — from bill generation to payment confirmation.
### Monitoring and Support
Local Monitoring Committees (LMCs) have been constituted at each procurement centre for close oversight. Additionally, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has introduced dedicated WhatsApp helplines to swiftly resolve farmer concerns.
All eligible cotton farmers are strongly advised to register promptly and leverage these digital tools to avoid distress sales.
*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/government-sets-up-550-cotton-procurement-centres-ensuring-accessibility-for-farmers-logistical-efficiency