New Delhi – The Ministry of Finance has issued a notification scrapping the 11% import duty on cotton along with the Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess (AIDC), effective from today until September 30, 2025. The government has justified the move as “in the public interest.”
However, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) strongly condemned the decision, calling it a “death warrant” for India’s cotton growers. “Removing the import duty will immediately crash domestic cotton prices, push farmers deeper into debt, and worsen the agrarian crisis,” the SKM said.
The farmers’ body accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “betraying farmers” and adopting double standards. “Where are the promises of doubling farmers’ income, enacting a law on guaranteed MSP, and giving top priority to farmers?” SKM asked.
Key Concerns
• MSP Gap: For 2025, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton at ₹7,710 per quintal, which is ₹2,365 less than the ₹10,075 per quintal calculated as per the C2+50% formula promised by the government.
• Cotton Cultivation: India has around 120.55 lakh hectares under cotton cultivation, representing 36% of the world’s total cotton area – the largest globally. Maharashtra has the largest share, followed by Gujarat and Telangana. Nearly 67% of cotton farming in India is rain-fed, making farmers highly vulnerable.
SKM’s Call to Action
The SKM has urged cotton-growing farmers across India to convene Gram Sabhas, pass resolutions, and send them to the Prime Minister demanding:
1. Immediate withdrawal of the notification scrapping import duty on cotton.
2. Declaration of MSP for cotton at ₹10,075 per quintal (C2+50% formula).
3. Fulfilment of the BJP’s 2014 election manifesto promise of a legal guarantee to MSP.
