Telangana has asked the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to ensure a smooth cotton procurement process at its designated centres, even as the state's cotton area rose by nearly 3 lakh acres (1.21 lakh hectares) despite earlier expectations of an El Nino-induced contraction, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. The state government assured CCI of full support for the upcoming procurement season, the publication reported on August 18, 2026. CCI is gearing up for arrivals at designated procurement centres, the report said.
State backs CCI procurement drive
The Telangana government asked CCI to ensure a smooth procurement process and assured it of support, reported The Hindu BusinessLine. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao also asked millers to open mills in the next 2-3 weeks to ensure they can accommodate the inflows. He directed officials to set up district-wise monitoring committees, with farmers as members, the report added.
- Ensure smooth procurement at CCI centres
- Open mills within 2–3 weeks to handle arrivals
- Set up district-wise monitoring committees with farmer members
Acreage defies El Nino forecasts
Despite expectations of lower cotton acreage due to the El Nino impact, the area under cultivation increased by nearly 3 lakh acres (1.21 lakh hectares) in the state, according to the report. Amid fears of a decline in acreage and production due to delayed and erratic rains in recent weeks, farmers in Telangana planted 47.71 lakh acres (19.31 lakh hectares) under kharif crops this year, reaching the normal acreage for the season.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Increase in cotton area | ~3 lakh acres (1.21 lakh hectares) |
| Total kharif sowing in Telangana | 47.71 lakh acres (19.31 lakh hectares) |
| Season | Kharif, with delayed erratic rains |
The reduced rainfall proved to be a 'blessing in disguise' as it helped reduce the weed menace, the minister said, according to businessline.
App glitch disrupts slot booking
Farmers, however, have flagged issues with slot booking on the designated app. Rambabu, a farmer from Khammam district, told businessline:
When we were booking slots on the app run by the State government, we used to get slots at procurement centres mandal-wise. But now we are facing issues as they are allotting them district-wise.
Taking note of the complaints, the Minister asked the Centre to make the Kisan Kapas app more accommodating by incorporating the farmers' suggestions, the report stated.
Key facts at a glance
Businessline reported the following key facts:
- CCI is gearing up for arrivals at designated procurement centres.
- Cotton area in Telangana rose by ~3 lakh acres (1.21 lakh hectares) despite El Nino expectations.
- Total kharif sowing reached 47.71 lakh acres (19.31 lakh hectares), matching normal acreage.
- Millers have been asked to open mills within 2–3 weeks.
- Farmers reported issues with slot booking on the Kisan Kapas app.
- District-wise monitoring committees, including farmers, are to be set up.
Procurement season takes shape
With CCI gearing up for arrivals at designated procurement centres and millers being urged to resume operations within weeks, the procurement cycle for the season is being formalised, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. The state's directive to set up monitoring committees and the push to refine the slot-booking app are part of the preparations.
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