Title: Need to enhance import duty on cotton with a view to protect the interests of indigenous cotton growers.
SHRI Y.V. RAO (GUNTUR): Sir, cotton growers in India are facing a lot of problems. The cotton growers are not getting sufficient price for their produce and this has been leading to unprecedented difficulties. Andhra Pradesh is the third largest producer of cotton in the country. The problems faced by the cotton growers are mainly due to the import of cotton. Cotton imports are severely affecting the indigenous cotton growers. Import duty on cotton is very less and this is making imported cotton cheaper. Everyone knows that developed countries try to retain their farm subsidies and India should also protect its own farmers who are the backbone of the economy.
Similarly, the Minimum Support Price for cotton presently being given is only Rs. 1,800/- per quintal which is not sufficient to meet the costs of the producers.
I, therefore, request the Government of India to consider increasing the import duty on cotton at least up to 25 per cent and to increase the Minimum Support Price from Rs. 1,800/- to Rs. 2,500 per quintal.