(a) whether the State Government of Orissa has made a request for opening additional
procurement centres at Nuapada, Parlakhemundi of Gajapati district and Digapahandi of Ganjam
district, to provide more cotton procurement centres and help the local farmers; and
(b) if so, the action plan devised by the Union Government to intensify procurement of
cotton by opening additional procurement centres and help the beleaguered farmers of the
region?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a): Yes Madam.
(b): With a view to intensify procurement of cotton in the State to help the cotton farmers
and avoid distress sales, the Cotton Corporation of India Ltd. (CCI) open the procurement
centres in a strategic manner, as and when required, which cover kapas arrivals of
almost 90%. During current cotton season 2009-10, since the kapas prices at most of the places
are ruling MSP, the intensity of MSP operations has been less as compared to last year.
However, with a view to help the cotton farmers in avoiding distress sales, the CCI shall
remain in the market till the last day of arrivals.