Court Slams Maharashtra Government: Delays in Cotton Procurement Hurt Farmers

In a significant observation, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has strongly criticized the Maharashtra state government and the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for their lack of clear policy regarding cotton procurement centers. The court stated that the deliberate delay in starting procurement centers appears to benefit private traders, while causing financial harm to farmers across the state.

The bench noted that this delay has directly contributed to a drop in cotton prices, and it held the state government responsible for the crisis.

Public Interest Litigation Exposes Procurement Irregularities

The court's remarks came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Shriram Satpute, chairman of the Consumer Panchayat Samiti, highlighting the severe economic losses faced by cotton farmers due to low purchase prices.

According to the petition, procurement centers are opened late each year, forcing farmers to sell their cotton to private traders at lower rates. These traders later sell the same cotton at significantly higher prices, reaping profits at the expense of farmers.

Court Demands Accountability

While hearing the case, Justices Nitin Sambre and Sachin Deshmukh expressed deep concern over the matter and directed the state government to submit detailed data on cotton cultivation and production for the last three years before July 28.

The bench emphasized the need for transparency and timely action in the cotton procurement process to protect the interests of farmers.

Potential Impact of the Verdict

This scathing observation by the court is expected to put pressure on the government and CCI to streamline cotton procurement operations and ensure fair pricing. Experts believe that the ruling could lead to improved purchase rates for cotton growers and help in curbing the exploitation of farmers by middlemen.

The decision is being welcomed by farmer organizations and consumer rights activists, who have long demanded policy clarity and accountability in agricultural procurement.