Question : PRODUCTION OF COTTON



(a) the total production of cotton in the country during the last three years;

(b) the total export / import of cotton during last three years;

(c) whether the cotton growers are not getting minimum support price;

(d) if so, the steps taken by the government in this regard;

(e) whether the Cotton Corporation of India is likely to procure cotton directly from the growers and pay MSP; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF TEXTILES( SHRI SHANKERSINH VAGHELA)

(a): Total production of cotton in country during last three years is given below:

Qty. in lakh bales of 170 kgs
Year (Cotton Season)	Quantity
2002-03	136.00
2003-04	179.00
2004-05	243.00

(b): Exports and imports of cotton from the country during last three years were as under:
Rs. in crore
Year	Export	Import
2003-04	942.37	1570.03
2004-05	364.49	1099.60
2005-06
(upto August)	475.33	271.74

Source: Foreign Trade Statistics of India, DGCIS, Calcutta.

(c) & (d): It is not true that the cotton growers are not getting Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton. The Cotton Corporation of India Ltd.(CCI) has been undertaking MSP operations whenever the prices of cotton have touched MSP level. In addition to CCI, Government has also appointed NAFED as an additional price support agency to undertake MSP operations.

(e) & (f): The CCI has been purchasing kapas in Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee Markets (APMC) directly from the cotton growers, or through their commission agents, who are the Licence holders with the APMC in question. However, in Madhya Pradesh, the APMC Act provides for direct purchase from cotton growers without the involvement of commission agents. The CCI is purchasing kapas directly from cotton farmers in Madhya Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh, though the APMC Act provides for purchasing kapas through Licence holder commission agents, from 2005-06 season, the State Government has allowed CCI to purchase kapas directly from cotton growers without involving these commission agents. Accordingly, the CCI has initiated direct purchase from cotton farmers in Andhra Pradesh. The CCI has also informed other State Governments to motivate the farmers to sell their produce directly to CCI without involving the commission agents.