Cotton in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Cotton Farmers Struggle with MSP Gaps: Cotton farming in Tamil Nadu covers nearly 70,000 hectares across 19 districts. The state has traditionally contributed to India’s textile industry, with farmers depending on MSP to ensure stable incomes. However, access to MSP operations has remained limited for cultivators in the region.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu is India’s leading textile hub, contributing over 30% to the country’s textile production.
Issues with CCI Procurement
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is mandated to buy cotton when prices fall below MSP. Yet, since 2021, the CCI has not procured a single quintal from Tamil Nadu farmers. The main reasons are restrictive procurement conditions that exclude most districts.
Static GK fact: CCI was established in 1970 under the Ministry of Textiles.
Procurement Rules and Challenges
CCI requires a minimum of 3,000 hectares of cotton cultivation in a taluk and a ginning factory within 20 km to set up a procurement centre. Tamil Nadu farmers fail to meet these conditions because cotton fields are scattered and ginning factories are far away. Farmers often face distances of 100–200 km, which makes procurement inaccessible.
High Transport Costs
Transporting cotton to distant ginning factories costs about ₹500 per quintal. These expenses are not covered under MSP operations, pushing farmers to sell at lower market rates. This lack of support directly impacts profitability and discourages cotton cultivation in the state.
Comparison with Andhra Pradesh
In contrast, Andhra Pradesh provides transport cost reimbursement to cotton farmers. This policy enables farmers to access MSP benefits without financial loss. Experts suggest that Tamil Nadu should adopt a similar support model to safeguard the interests of its cotton growers.
Static GK Tip: Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are among the top cotton-producing states in India.
The Way Forward
To ensure MSP benefits reach Tamil Nadu cotton farmers, policy changes are essential. Relaxing procurement rules, increasing ginning capacity within districts, and offering transport subsidies can create a fair support system. Strengthening cotton farming will also boost the state’s textile industry, which relies heavily on local raw material.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Tamil Nadu Cotton Farmers Struggle with MSP Gaps:
| Topic | Detail |
| Cotton area in Tamil Nadu | 70,000 hectares across 19 districts |
| CCI procurement in Tamil Nadu | No procurement since 2021 |
| CCI procurement rule | Minimum 3,000 hectares and ginning factory within 20 km |
| Distance to ginning factories | 100–200 km from farms |
| Transport cost per quintal | Around ₹500 |
| Andhra Pradesh model | State reimburses transport costs for farmers |
| Establishment of CCI | 1970 under Ministry of Textiles |
| Tamil Nadu textile contribution | Over 30% of India’s textile production |
