Strategic Advice for Cotton Farmers to Sell Summer-Irrigated Cotton Immediately

Cotton farmers in Tamil Nadu have received crucial advice from agricultural experts amidst the ever-fluctuating market conditions. The recommendation encourages farmers to sell their summer irrigated cotton crop immediately after harvest in the rice fallows of the Cauvery delta, without awaiting any potential price hikes.

Last year's success with higher prices prompted many farmers to opt for high-yielding, short-duration cotton varieties, aiming to capitalize on immediate profits. However, this year, experts from the Price Forecasting Scheme of the Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies, a part of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), have forecasted that the current season is unlikely to witness any significant price increases.

In light of this projection, the experts suggest swift disposal of the summer irrigated cotton to avoid potential losses due to stagnant prices. The Price Forecasting Scheme, supported by the World Bank-funded Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agricultural Modernisation project, conducted a survey that contributed to this insightful recommendation.

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Cotton cultivation occupies a vast expanse in India, with a total of 130.61 lakh hectares and a production of 343.47 lakh bales (each weighing 170 kg) during the 2022-23 season. Prominent cotton-producing states include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. In Tamil Nadu, cotton farming spans 1.62 lakh hectares, resulting in a production of 3.56 lakh bales.

Challenges have surfaced due to recent events, including Cyclone Biparjoy impacting cotton stocks, leading to reduced quality and surplus arrivals. Additionally, to counteract the price surge witnessed in 2022, precautionary measures have been taken, involving the import of 10 lakh bales of cotton.