Question : PROMOTION OF COTTON

(a) whether any scheme has been launched to promote and increase the production and quality of cotton during the last three years, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether there is any proposal to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of cotton;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether any study has been conducted during the last three years to know the difficulties being faced by the cotton growers in different parts of the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the follow up action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a): In order to promote and increase the production and productivity of cotton, National Food Security Mission – Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC)for cotton is under implementation since 2014-15.

(b) & (c): During the year 2014-15, Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton has been increased from Rs.3700/- to Rs.3750/- per quintal for Medium Staple Length and Rs.4000/- to Rs.4050/ - per quintal for Long Staple Length. Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India fixes MSP every year on the recommendations of Commission on Agricultural Cost & Prices (CACP). While recommending MSP, CACP takes into account the entire structure of cotton economy, cost of cultivation, changes in the input prices, input-output price parity, trends in the market prices, demand & supply situation domestically and internationally, inter crop parity etc. plus a reasonable profit margin to the cotton farmers.

(d) & (e): No Madam. However, latest technology is transferred to cotton farmers through training and demonstrations. Further State Department of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agriculture University (SAU), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs) etc. provide technical support to farmers to overcome hardships.