Andhra Pradesh- Groundnut Farmers in Crisis
30-Sep-2025 10:42 AM
Andhra Pradesh- Groundnut Farmers in Crisis
★ Groundnut farmers are caught in a tough situation as prices remain low and procurement has yet to begin. The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and ginning mills have failed to reach a procurement agreement, leaving farmers in uncertainty.
★ CCI has extended its tender process several times, but ginning mills have refused to participate, demanding changes in tender guidelines. The mills are seeking zone-wise tenders, removal of the lowest bid clause, and an end to strict scheduling restrictions imposed on farmers.
★ Adding to the woes, the government recently removed the import duty on groundnuts for about 45 days, which further depressed the domestic market.
★ For the current season, the government has announced an MSP of ₹8,110 per quintal. However, farmers fear that if procurement agencies do not intervene in time, they may be forced to sell their produce at much lower prices.