Khetia: The farmers of Barwani district have raised protest over cotton procurement by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) as their stock is being rejected continuously by CCI while many have not received payment after selling their produce.
The CCI, which is authorised for cotton procurement by Centre, is buying cotton in the district. In Khetia’s agricultural produce market, 400 vehicles arrive daily to sell cotton. The farmers from Shahada in Maharshtra’s Nandurbar district also come to sell their produce in Khetia though CCI is buying cotton in Shahada too.
The farmers have alleged that CCI’s constant rejection of their cotton is causing despair. In the process, crop has damaged and got infected with pests. This had added to their troubles.
The administrative officials are inspecting cotton procurement in Khetia mandi. Tehsildar of Pansemal Rakesh Sastiya spoke to CCI officials, mandi secretary and farmers. He said they have received complaints and are investigating. “CCI purchases cotton according to its parameters,” he added.
When contacted, CCI official Gajanan Pise said CCI buys cotton as per its standards and buying process is checked by administration too. He said few farmers want to sell cotton by building pressure, which is not possible. “Payment of farmers has been cleared till November 28. Since last three days, the payments were not cleared as the link of bank failed. Pending payments will be cleared soon,” he added.