In a bid to ensure smooth operations ahead of the Kharif Cotton Season 2025–26, the Ministry of Textiles has intensified efforts to strengthen Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations for cotton farmers. On September 2, 2025, Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, chaired a high-level review meeting with officials from cotton-growing states, the Cotton Corporation of India Ltd. (CCI), and representatives from the Ministry.
The meeting outlined key measures to facilitate hassle-free procurement, timely payments, and digital integration. The Ministry announced the operationalization of 550 cotton procurement centres across 11 major cotton-growing regions, its largest network ever, to ensure better access for farmers and efficient handling of arrivals.
Procurement in the Northern Zone, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, will begin on 1st October, followed by the Central Zone, covering Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, from 15th October, and the Southern Zone, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, from 21st October.
The Ministry is promoting the widespread use of the ‘Kapas-Kisaan’ mobile app, which allows farmers to self-register, book slots, and track payments in real time. Farmers have been advised to complete registrations by 31st October, while existing users of state platforms in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana are encouraged to verify their records on the app.
Highlighting its focus on full digitization and financial inclusion, the Ministry confirmed that payments will be made directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via the NACH system, with SMS alerts sent at every stage of the payment process.
Local Monitoring Committees have been established at each procurement centre, and CCI has introduced dedicated WhatsApp helplines to address farmer grievances. States have also been urged to share land records to streamline farmer registration and ensure wider participation.
Secretary Rao reiterated that the Ministry is committed to building a modern, transparent, and inclusive procurement ecosystem, ensuring that every cotton farmer receives fair prices and timely support during the upcoming season.
