Double blow to Punjab cotton growers, fail to get MSP

Cotton farmers in Punjab are facing a double blow this season. While excessive rain has damaged crop on nearly 25,000 hectares, the prices of unginned cotton (narma) are also ruling below the minimum support price (MSP).

The state has 1.19 lakh hectares under cotton cultivation this year. Picking of cotton has started and arrival begun in mandis. The picking season will continue till the end of November.

A commission agent from Fazilka said the crop was fetching only Rs 6,500-7,300 per quintal against the MSP of Rs 7,710-8,110, depending on quality and staple length. High moisture content and weak ginned cotton prices are being cited as the reason for the fall in prices.

Meanwhile, a three-member state-level committee, led by Deputy Director (Cotton) Dr Charanjit Singh, surveyed fields in Kotbhai, Daula, Peori and Jandwala villages in Muktsar district. It reported that whitefly incidence was below the economic threshold level (ETL) and no signs of pink bollworm infestation were found.

Dr Karanjit Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Muktsar, said, “Farmers must remain vigilant and maintain contact with department staff.” He added that recent rain had affected some areas, and a special “girdawari” was being conducted.