Call for Central Intervention: Telangana Seeks MSP for Soybean, Maize, and Cotton

Telangana's Agriculture Minister, Tummala Nageswara Rao, has called for the urgent intervention of the central government in procuring soybean, maize, and cotton at minimum support prices (MSP) to mitigate farmer distress. Rao communicated his request through letters addressed to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh.

The minister highlighted that current market prices for soybean and maize are significantly below the MSP, causing financial strain on farmers. Soybean prices are hovering between Rs 3,800 and Rs 4,000 per quintal, well below the MSP of Rs 5,328 per quintal. Similarly, maize prices have dipped substantially, with market rates at Rs 1,959 per quintal, compared to the MSP of Rs 2,400 per quintal.

Rao urged for a relaxation of moisture norms in cotton procurement and requested that the Central Nodal Agency, NAFED, undertake in-state procurements to prevent further distress sales. The minister emphasized the potential financial burden on the state if it were to shoulder the procurement costs alone.