Farmers are upset over the reduction in the price of cotton. Farmers protested in front of Vijaya Cotton Industry in Ootkur mandal of Narayanapet district on Friday.
Ootkur, September 18: Farmers are upset over the reduction in the price of cotton. Farmers protested in front of Vijaya Cotton Industry in Ootkur mandal of Narayanapet district on Friday. Farmers from different parts of the district reached the industry at dawn with cotton trucks. Farmers alleged that the maximum price of Rs.9,500 per quintal on Thursday was reduced by Rs.200 to Rs.9,400 on Friday. He expressed concern that some are being paid only Rs.9,350. They complained that they are making losses by fixing the price per day.
The yield is terrible.. the price is not right
Farmers lamented that the cotton yield has fallen drastically this year due to lack of rain. He said that the tree has only two or three nuts. He expressed his concern that even the investment made per acre is not available. In such a situation, the leaders of the farmers’ unions alleged that fixing the price per day without providing a remunerative price for cotton is pushing the farmers further into debt.
Anger that the government does not care
Leaders of farmers’ unions have criticized the government, which is supposed to support the farmers who have lost crops due to lack of rain, and is not paying attention to cotton prices. He said that the situation will become more miserable if the farmers who are already suffering losses due to reduced crop yield do not get remunerative price. He warned that there is a risk of suicide if the financial problems of the farmers worsen.
Disruption of traffic on the road
The vehicles going towards Narayanapet stopped as the farmers got agitated. Passengers faced difficulties due to this. On learning the matter, Utkur SI Ramesh reached the spot and spoke to the farmers. Later discussed with mill owners. The mill owners explained the online prices in the market to the farmers. After discussing the prices, the police and the mill owners gathered the farmers. Farmers called off the dharna after protesting for about an hour. Farmers demanded a fair price for cotton.