Farmers in Khargone staged a semi-clad protest on Monday at the Krishi Upaj Mandi, accusing the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) of rejecting their cotton by labeling it of poor quality. The protest followed a four-day halt in cotton procurement by CCI. When purchases resumed, the farmers closed the mandi gate and began protesting.
The farmers alleged that CCI was favouring traders while rejecting their cotton as substandard. They also objected to the limited daily procurement of only 250 vehicles by CCI. Khargone SDM, along with the police force, intervened to pacify the protestors and restore order.
Sharmila Ninama, secretary of Khargone Krishi Upaj Mandi, stated that the mandi received about 900 vehicles of cotton on Monday. Separate sheds were allocated for CCI and traders, with CCI purchasing 280 vehicles of cotton on the day. She explained that cotton purchases are based on prescribed quality parameters, and substandard cotton is not eligible for the support price.
To address the situation, the district collector has been requested to urge CCI to increase its daily procurement capacity. On Monday, 16,500 quintals of cotton arrived at the mandi via 24 bullock carts and 890 vehicles.
