Punjab: The government of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has once again proved that it stands firmly with the hardworking farmers of the state. This year, when the market prices of cotton (Narama and Desi) were falling below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), the Mann government immediately intervened and saved the farmers from huge losses.
Initially, when cotton started arriving in the mandis, private traders were buying it between ₹5,700 and ₹6,800 per quintal. These prices were much lower than the MSP, which increased the concern of the farmers. In these difficult times, on the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the state government immediately put pressure on the Central government agency Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to start large-scale procurement.
Close to MSP of ₹7,710 per quintal
Due to the active participation of CCI, cotton prices improved significantly. Today, Punjab Mandi Board data confirms that the average price of Narma cotton has crossed ₹7,500 per quintal, which is very close to the MSP of ₹7,710 per quintal. At the same time, there has been a huge jump in the prices of local cotton. This is a big relief for the farmers, who earlier felt compelled to sell their crops at low prices. Due to the initiative of Mann government, they are now getting the true value of their hard work.
1 lakh quintals more
Despite heavy rains and floods in some parts of Punjab this year, the arrival of cotton has been more than 1 lakh quintals compared to last year. This shows that farmers still have faith in cotton cultivation on the policies of the government. It is the result of the pro-active thinking of the state government that according to Mandi Board data, while last year in the same period the CCI had purchased only 170 quintals of cotton, this time after pressure from the government the CCI has ensured the purchase of more than 35,348 quintals of cotton. This large-scale purchase created a positive environment in the market and prevented prices from falling.
The Mann government has ensured that the farmers of Punjab do not have to face the crisis of selling their crops at prices below the MSP. Of the 2,30,423 quintals of cotton procured till December 1, initially more than 60% of the crop was sold below the MSP, but this trend has completely changed after the entry of CCI.
The main goal of the government is to secure the profits of the farmers and provide them economic strength. This initiative clearly shows that the government is ready to take prompt and effective steps even in times of crisis to protect the interests of farmers. The Mann government is committed to the dignity and prosperity of farmers.
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