Khetia (Madhya Pradesh): Farmers have expressed their dissatisfaction with Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) regarding ongoing cotton purchase at Krishi Upaj Mandi Samiti in Khetia. They allege that the CCI is discriminating against their produce, often rejecting their cotton by labelling it as low quality.
Many farmers travel long distance to sell their cotton, only to find that the CCI is reluctant to buy their goods. They claim that while the CCI accepts inferior quality cotton, their high-quality produce is being turned away. A woman farmer, who travelled over 150 kilometres from Amalner, reported that her cotton was rejected despite her efforts to sell it alongside her family.
She expressed frustration, stating that the CCI did not listen to her pleas. The Khetia Krishi Upaj Mandi, located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, serves farmers from both states. Historically, farmers have received good prices for their cotton, and they had high hopes for CCI's purchases.
However, the new rules requiring the presence of farmers or their family members during the sale have created additional challenges, leaving many unable to sell their produce.
In response to farmers' concerns, CCI official Ravi stated that the corporation is purchasing cotton based on specific parameters set by the organisation, emphasising that they are committed to buying farmers' goods while adhering to these guidelines.
