Cotton farmers in distress as remunerative price not paid

​Jammikunta: Cotton farmers, who bring stocks from the adjoining villages to the biggest market here, are facing hardships as they were not getting remunerative price due to the adverse weather conditions and lack of adequate rainfall.

They are taking loans for agriculture. The recent untimely rain dashed their hopes, as the crops were all damaged. Traders in the market have been taking advantage of the farmers’ plight and offering lesser price.

With no alternative, the ryots have been compelled to accept whatever price quoted to them. In recent past, a rate of Rs 5,200 was offered on a single day. The next day the price fell to Rs 4,700, Rs 4,300, and even Rs 4,000.

Recently several debt-ridden cotton farmers allegedly committed suicide by consuming pesticide, unable to withstand the pressures of tough days. Cotton farmers like Sammi Reddy and Ilayya told The Hans India that they have been spending anxious days pondering over their bleak future.

They have appealed to the State government to come to their rescue, while pointing out that only a price ranging from Rs 6,000 Rs 7,000 will be remunerative for them.