Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) is misleading -VJAS

Cotton Crisis - Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) is misleading

Nagpur – June 1, 2011

Vidarbha cotton growing farmers advocacy group Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti(VJAS) has strongly objected the statement of Mr. Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) that the export of 5.5 million bales of cotton from India during the early part of this cotton year has created an artificial cotton shortage in India.

“CITI statement is misleading and baseless when Indian regulatory authorities have confirmed that there is surplus stock of at least 50 lakhs bales and textile has given it’s node to the demand of agriculture and commerce ministry demand of additional permission of 15 lakhs bales in order to protect the financial interest of Indian cotton farmers who are committing suicides as prices of cotton slashed to 50% in month where as uncertainties and unjust quantitative restriction has always allowed the textile cartel to get cheaper cotton by 30% . this is part of textile lobby to get cotton export curtail so that they can exploit the situation .it’s unfortunate that textile minister is playing on direction of this textile cartel that has ruined around one billion cotton farmers to tune of Rs.20,000 crore and losses are likely to be more if Indian Govt. function with anti farmer policies ”Tiwari added

“CITI has managed the Indian Textile minister initially to restrict cotton bales export to 55 lakhs bales from earlier year 84 lakh bales even when country cotton production is higher by another 25 lakhs bales then ban export of cotton yarn and now surprisingly as per Quota Policy of Cotton items now added Cotton Waste ( Comber Noil) H. S. Code No. 5202 as Cotton Waste is a ‘By-product’ of Cotton Yarn. when plenty of quota of Cotton Yarn lying unutilized the hostile functioning of Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran has a allaowed textile cartel to include the by-product banned ” Tiwari said..

“CITI is keeping salient of the fact that Cotton prices have increased from Rs 30000/candy in April 2010 to Rs 60000/candy April 2011 which is an increase of about Rs 70-75 per kg and immediately Spinners increased the price of yarn from rs 150/- per kg in April 2010 for 30s combed to Rs 230/- per kg in April 2011. increase of Rs 80 per kg which reflects in cotton value to Rs 30000/per candy minimum. Fabric weavers too have increased prices of grey fabric of 40 x 40 counts 124 x 64 with 200 gm per mtr which is quoted at about Rs 70/- per sqmtr as against Rs 38 in April 2010. There s an increase of Rs 32/mtr which is Rs 160/- per kg which in terms of candy is about Rs 58/60000 and present ban on export has brought back cotton prices to the level of April 2010 which is artificial an stage managed and Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran is directly involved in this scam ” Tiwari added.

‘CITI should admit that Cotton production has grown from a low of 225 lac bales to 330 lac bales in last 5 years the undue protection to Local textile mills benefiting of buying Indian cotton at prices which are at least lower by 30% as compared to its competitor in Bangladesh, Pakistan and other countries who buy from other growths which is reason behind the present restriction of cotton export and when Indian cotton after lot of hard work and promotion by exporters have found a very stable and regular market of its cotton in foreign countries and Govt. should ensure that the markets created are not lost to competition due to faulty Govt. policies to protect handful textile mill owners .” It is alleged.

‘We need the urgent central intervention and demand to lift all export restriction of cotton bales and yarn too so that farmers get higher price to cotton ‘’Tiwari urged.

Cotton farmers Burdened by Early Rains, Govt policy-Times of India

Ramu Bhagwat & Shishir Arya, TNN | May 31, 2011, 04.55am IST

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Cotton-farmers-burdened-by-early-rains-govt-policy/articleshow/8650805.cms

"Together, the farmers and traders have suffered a loss of Rs 20,000 crore thanks to the unfriendly cotton policy of the Union government," said Kishore Tiwari of the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti. "Global prices were at an all-time high, but the government did not allow exports. So farmers are traders were forced to sell at 30% less than the international price," he explained. Tiwari has urged the government to lift all curbs on cotton exports to rescue the farmers.

NAGPUR: The early onset of monsoons has proved to be a dampener for the cotton trade as prices came down further on expectations of a better supply in the forthcoming season. Timely rains may bring good news for farmers who may get to start their activities early and hope to reap sooner. But, on the other hand, traders are left bleeding as the prices crashed when they were sitting on a huge stock purchased at a higher rate as cotton prices had touched a peak this year.

Commodity analysts say that there is a bearish outlook for cotton in the next year which means the farmers may not get a very high rate. The April 2012 contract at National Commodity and Derivative Exchange (NCDEX) is quoted at Rs 792 per 20 kg, which comes to Rs 3960 a quintal. If futures are taken as an indication, the rates may open at lower note at the start of the harvest season in the next year.

Fall of cotton

Year	February	March	April	May
2011	7,000	6,500	5,000-4,500	3,500-3000
2010	2600	3200	3200	3200-3500

(Source: Traders in the region; the table shows how the rates (rupees per quintal) increased with time last year but the trend was reverse in 2011)

Rains striking early on the Kerala coast has led to the likelihood of the sowing season for the Kharif crop starting well or even before time. A better outlook for the cotton crop due to good rains has led to a second round of battering for this commodity's prices. The government's inaction on relaxing the export cap from 55 lakh bales at present also acted as a catalyst.

Currently cotton is being quoted in the range of Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 a quintal in the market yards with the situation being worse a fortnight ago when the prices were below the Rs 3,000 mark.

There are estimates of a considerable jump in the supply in the coming season as the area under cotton cultivation is expected to go up by 20% from last year's tally of 11 million hectares. Higher the supply, lesser are the prices.

Cotton prices had touched an all-time high of Rs 7,000 a quintal, in January-February this year which was the peak of the season. Strangely the rates tumbled subsequently, touching Rs 4,500 by April and sliding to a new low of less than Rs 3,000 a fortnight ago. The rates have finally settled at Rs 3,500. It was only an expectation of better crop which triggered the fall in March, but normally it was too early for the markets to react to such an indication.

Traders find it a strange phenomenon. Normally rates of any agricultural commodity are on the higher side as the season ends and ease only when the fresh crop arrives. The fresh cotton crop is still five months away and the rates are already subdued. In May last year, cotton was quoted at around Rs 3500 a quintal, an increase of Rs 600 from the start of the season.

Even as there have been conflicting reports on this input, sources say that some of the farmers too had held on to their stocks hoping to fetch a better rate to only face a crash. Undoubtedly, traders are in a bind as they are sitting on huge stock purchased at a higher rate.

"Together, the farmers and traders have suffered a loss of Rs 20,000 crore thanks to the unfriendly cotton policy of the Union government," said Kishore Tiwari of the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti. "Global prices were at an all-time high, but the government did not allow exports. So farmers are traders were forced to sell at 30% less than the international price," he explained.

Tiwari has urged the government to lift all curbs on cotton exports to rescue the farmers.

Indian Cotton Farmers Betrayed

Indian Cotton Farmers Betrayed

Mon, May 30, 2011

This is complete betrayed of dying cotton community of India who opted cotton cultivation this year were forced suffer very heavy financial losses incurred due to wrong export policy to the tune of more than Rs.20,000 crore as per initial estimates, and may increase further if corrective steps are not taken immediately as 33 million bales produced this year by Indian farmers and local traders got the price that's less than 30 per cent of prevailing international price that time and now after the prices crashed in the middle of April this year, the loss has increased. "we are stabbed from back by UPA and killed from front by nature and market forces as delay in decision and panic of further price downward correction in farmers and local traders has already done the damaged any corrective step of relaxing further export cap will only benefit market manipulator as it was part of conspiracy planed and strategicmove by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maranto protect financial textile lobby and get the cotton bales cheaper rate ,has done damaged to and more than 1 billion cotton farmers in cotton growing state of India that include Mahrashtra, Gujrath, Andhra,Punjab, Rajthan, Karnataka, M.P. and central government.should provide bail out pakage to the farmers who suffered heavy losses due wrong export policies of the central government,” said Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti (VJAS). “The year of record cultivation of cotton in 11 million hectors and record yield of33 million cotton bales has been year record financial losses as most of the year. Indian cotton growers were forced to sell coton 30 per cent cheaper than international market due to export cap of 55 lakhs bales when as per official estimate it was clear that additional 60 lakhs bales surplus in India as against domestic requirement of 220 lakhs bales but it was PMO and textile ministry kept uncertainties and not allowed to increase additional export since February 2011," said Tiwari. He also said that even after the frequent intervention of Agriculture Minister by writing letters directly to Indian prime minister since April 8, 2011, chief ministers of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra and Karnataka along with more than 110 MPs joined by Cotton Association of India (CAI), The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and farm activists from all over India lastly by national political parties including Congress, NCP and BJP but textile ministry controlled by touts managed to keep the cap of 55 lakhs cotton bales as against the last year export of 84 lakhs cotton bales intact resulting in farmers holding the stock till Monday to sell it at throw away prices as monsoon is coming all procurement centre are declared that that last week was last week of procurement resulting accumulated net losses more the Rs. 20,000 crore to more than 10 million cotton growers and local traders that has added further gloom and despair to dying cotton growing agrarian community inviting much more farm suicides in near future," said Tiwari. “We welcome the assurance given by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran to Gujarat congress delegation who met on May 19 pressing hard demand increase in Cotton export quota andit was reported that quoting Gujarat Congress’s statement, the delegation demanded approval of 1.5 million bale export of Cotton, which “was accepted by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran and he was to call Cotton Advisory Board’s meeting to give legitimate permission for additionalexport of 15 lakh bale but it hoax as till date CAB meeting has not being called moreover in between PMO issued the statement supporting the action of textile ministry to put export restriction on cotton bales, cotton yarns and even on cotton westthat’s clear indication of having textile nexus with PMO too, we are victim wrong policies of UPA and NDA as itis first time free import started after lifting import restrictions in 2004 even WTO deadline was 2008 by then NDA government at the centre which allowed record 200 lakhs bales at much cheaper price than domestic market inviting thousands of farm suicides and now imposition of export restrictions are killing the cotton farmers hence we need economical protection to distress cotton farmers as given by USA," Tiwari added. "Cotton prices have increased from Rs 30000/candy in April 2010 to Rs 60000/candy April 2011 which is an increase of about Rs 70-75 per kg and immediately Spinners increased the price of yarn from Rs 150/- per kg in April 2010 for 30s combed to Rs 230/- per kg in April 2011. Increase of Rs 80 per kg which reflects in cotton value to Rs 30000/per candy minimum. Fabric weavers too have increased prices of grey fabric of 40 x 40 counts 124 x 64 with 200 gm per mtr which is quoted at about Rs 70/- per sqmtr as against Rs 38 in April 2010. There is an increase of Rs 32/mtr which is Rs 160/- per kg which in terms of candy is about Rs 60000 and present ban on export has brought back cotton prices to the level of April 2010 which is artificial an stage managed and Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran is directly involved in this scam," Tiwari added. "Maharashtra farmers are agitating since October 2010 for lifting of export ban on cotton. Now, the same demand is being echoed nationally but strong textile lobby is not allowing the rightful much needed decision is taken and they till lobbying hard to avoid official permission the additional export of cotton bales is granted and silent of PMO is much more irritating hence we have knocked the door of UPA convener Smt.Sonia Gandhi but nothing has resulted as on today,” Tiwari added. "We need the urgent central intervention and demand to lift all export restriction of cotton bales and yarn too so that farmers get higher price to cotton," ’Tiwari urged.

Indian cotton farmers lost more than Rs.20,000 crore due to ban on cotton export

Indian cotton farmers lost more than Rs.20,000 crore due to ban on cotton export

NAGPUR – 30^th May 2011

The complete apathy of Indian Govt. towards Indian cotton farmers has resulted in record heavy financial losses incurred due to wrong export policy to the tune of more than Rs.20,000/-as per initial estimate may increase further if corrective steps are not taken immediately as 33 million bales produced this year India farmers and local traders got the price which less than 30% of prevailing international price that time and now after the prices crashed in the middle of April this year .

“The undue delay in decision and panic of further price downward correction in farmers and local traders has already done the damaged any corrective step of relaxing further export cap will only benefit market manipulator as it was part of conspiracy planed and strategic move by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran to protect financial textile lobby and get the cotton bales cheaper rate ,has done damaged to and more than 1 billion cotton farmers in cotton growing state of India that include Mahrashtra,Gujrath,Andhra,Punjab,Rajthan ,Karnataka,M.P. and central Govt. should provide bail out pakage to the farmers to suffered heavy losses due wrong export policies of central Govt.” Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti (VJAS) demanded today.

“The year of record cultivation of cotton in 11 million hectors and record yield of 33 million cotton bales has been year record financial losses as most of the year Indian cotton growers were forced to sale 30% cheaper than international market due to export cap of 55 lakhs bales when as per official estimate it was clear that additional 60 lakhs bales surplus in India as against domestic requirement of 220 lakhs bales but it was PMO and textile ministry kept uncertainties and not allowed to increase additional export since February 2011 lastly even after the frequent intervention of Agriculture Minister by writing the letters directly to Indian prime minister since 8^th April 2011 ,chief ministers of Maharashtra, Gujarat ,Andhra and Karnataka along with more than 110 M.P.s joined by Cotton Association of India (CAI) , The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and farm activist from all over India lastly by national political parties including CONG.,NCP and BJP but textile ministry controlled by touts managed to keep the cap of 55 lakhs cotton bales as against the last year export of 84 lakhs cotton bales intact resulting the farmers who are holding the stock till Monday to sale it in throw away price as monsoon is coming all procurement centre are declared that that last week was last week of procurement resulting accumulated net losses more the Rs.20,000 crore to more than 10 million cotton growers and local traders that has added further gloom and despair to dying cotton growing agrarian community inviting much more farm suicides in near future , Tiwari urged .

“We welcome the assurance given by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran to Gujarat congress delegation who met on 19^th may pressing hard demand increase in Cotton export quota and it was reported that quoting Gujarat Congress’s statement, the delegation demanded approval of 1.5 million bale export of Cotton which “was accepted by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran and he was to call Cotton Advisory Board’s meeting to give legitimate permission for additional export of 15 lakh bale but it hoax as till date CAB meeting has not being called moreover in between PMO issued the statement supporting the action of textile ministry to put export restriction on cotton bales, cotton yarns and even on cotton west that’s clear indication of having textile nexus with PMO too ,we are victim wrong policies of UPA and NDA as it is first time free import started after lifting import restrictions in 2004 even WTO deadline was 2008 by then NDA Govt. at the centre which allowed record 200 lakhs bales at much cheaper price than domestic market inviting thousands of farm suicides and now imposition of export restrictions are killing the cotton farmers hence we need economical protection to distress cotton farmers as given by USA” Tiwari added.

“Cotton prices have increased from Rs 30000/candy in April 2010 to Rs 60000/candy April 2011 which is an increase of about Rs 70-75 per kg and immediately Spinners increased the price of yarn from Rs 150/- per kg in April 2010 for 30s combed to Rs 230/- per kg in April 2011. Increase of Rs 80 per kg which reflects in cotton value to Rs 30000/per candy minimum. Fabric weavers too have increased prices of grey fabric of 40 x 40 counts 124 x 64 with 200 gm per mtr which is quoted at about Rs 70/- per sqmtr as against Rs 38 in April 2010. There is an increase of Rs 32/mtr which is Rs 160/- per kg which in terms of candy is about Rs 60000 and present ban on export has brought back cotton prices to the level of April 2010 which is artificial an stage managed and Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran is directly involved in this scam ” Tiwari added.

‘Maharashtra farmers are agitating since October 2010 for lifting of export ban on cotton now same demand is being echoed nationally but strong textile lobby is not allowing the rightful much needed decision is taken and they till lobbying hard to avoid official permission the additional export of cotton bales is granted and silent of PMO is much more irritating hence we have knocked the door of UPA convener Smt.Sonia Gandhi but nothing has resulted as on today” Tiwari added.

‘We need the urgent central intervention and demand to lift all export restriction of cotton bales and yarn too so that farmers get higher price to cotton ‘’Tiwari urged.

UPA Govt. makes Mockery of Indian Cotton Growers Crisis

UPA Govt. makes Mockery of Indian Cotton Growers Crisis

NAGPUR – 29^th May 2011

“The year of record cultivation of cotton in 11 million hectors and record yield of 33 million cotton bales has been year record financial losses as most of the year Indian cotton growers were forced to sale 30% cheaper than international market due to export cap of 55 lakhs bales when as per official estimate it was clear that additional 60 lakhs bales surplus in India as against domestic requirement of 220 lakhs bales but it was PMO and textile ministry kept uncertainties and not allowed to increase additional export since February 2011 lastly even after the frequent intervention of Agriculture Minister by writing the letters directly to Indian prime minister since 8^th April 2011 ,chief ministers of Maharashtra, Gujarat ,Andhra and Karnataka along with more than 110 M.P.s joined by Cotton Association of India (CAI) , The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and farm activist from all over India lastly by national political parties including CONG.,NCP and BJP but textile ministry controlled by touts managed to keep the cap of 55 lakhs cotton bales as against the last year export of 84 lakhs cotton bales intact resulting the farmers who are holding the stock till Monday to sale it in throw away price as monsoon is coming all procurement centre are declared that that last week was last week of procurement resulting accumulated net losses more the Rs.20,000 crore to more than 10 million cotton growers and local traders that has added further gloom and despair to dying cotton growing agrarian community inviting much more farm suicides in near future , Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti (VJAS) informed in a press release today.

“We welcome the assurance given by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran to Gujarat congress delegation who met on 19^th may pressing hard demand increase in Cotton export quota and it was reported that quoting Gujarat Congress’s statement, the delegation demanded approval of 1.5 million bale export of Cotton which “was accepted by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran and he was to call Cotton Advisory Board’s meeting to give legitimate permission for additional export of 15 lakh bale but it hoax as till date CAB meeting has not being called moreover in between PMO issued the statement supporting the action of textile ministry to put export restriction on cotton bales, cotton yarns and even on cotton west that’s clear indication of having textile nexus with PMO too ,we are victim wrong policies of UPA and NDA as it is first time free import started after lifting import restrictions in 2004 even WTO deadline was 2008 by then NDA Govt. at the centre which allowed record 200 lakhs bales at much cheaper price than domestic market inviting thousands of farm suicides and now imposition of export restrictions are killing the cotton farmers hence we need economical protection to distress cotton farmers as given by USA” Tiwari added.

“Cotton prices have increased from Rs 30000/candy in April 2010 to Rs 60000/candy April 2011 which is an increase of about Rs 70-75 per kg and immediately Spinners increased the price of yarn from Rs 150/- per kg in April 2010 for 30s combed to Rs 230/- per kg in April 2011. Increase of Rs 80 per kg which reflects in cotton value to Rs 30000/per candy minimum. Fabric weavers too have increased prices of grey fabric of 40 x 40 counts 124 x 64 with 200 gm per mtr which is quoted at about Rs 70/- per sqmtr as against Rs 38 in April 2010. There is an increase of Rs 32/mtr which is Rs 160/- per kg which in terms of candy is about Rs 60000 and present ban on export has brought back cotton prices to the level of April 2010 which is artificial an stage managed and Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran is directly involved in this scam ” Tiwari added.

‘Maharashtra farmers are agitating since October 2010 for lifting of export ban on cotton now same demand is being echoed nationally but strong textile lobby is not allowing the rightful much needed decision is taken and they till lobbying hard to avoid official permission the additional export of cotton bales is granted and silent of PMO is much more irritating hence we have knocked the door of UPA convener Smt.Sonia Gandhi but nothing has resulted as on today” Tiwari added.

‘We need the urgent central intervention and demand to lift all export restriction of cotton bales and yarn too so that farmers get higher price to cotton ‘’Tiwari urged.

UPA Govt. makes Mockery of Indian Cotton Growers Crisis

UPA Govt. makes Mockery of Indian Cotton Growers Crisis

NAGPUR – 29^th May 2011

“The year of record cultivation of cotton in 11 million hectors and record yield of 33 million cotton bales has been year record financial losses as most of the year Indian cotton growers were forced to sale 30% cheaper than international market due to export cap of 55 lakhs bales when as per official estimate it was clear that additional 60 lakhs bales surplus in India as against domestic requirement of 220 lakhs bales but it was PMO and textile ministry kept uncertainties and not allowed to increase additional export since February 2011 lastly even after the frequent intervention of Agriculture Minister by writing the letters directly to Indian prime minister since 8^th April 2011 ,chief ministers of Maharashtra, Gujarat ,Andhra and Karnataka along with more than 110 M.P.s joined by Cotton Association of India (CAI) , The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and farm activist from all over India lastly by national political parties including CONG.,NCP and BJP but textile ministry controlled by touts managed to keep the cap of 55 lakhs cotton bales as against the last year export of 84 lakhs cotton bales intact resulting the farmers who are holding the stock till Monday to sale it in throw away price as monsoon is coming all procurement centre are declared that that last week was last week of procurement resulting accumulated net losses more the Rs.20,000 crore to more than 10 million cotton growers and local traders that has added further gloom and despair to dying cotton growing agrarian community inviting much more farm suicides in near future , Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti (VJAS) informed in a press release today.

“We welcome the assurance given by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran to Gujarat congress delegation who met on 19^th may pressing hard demand increase in Cotton export quota and it was reported that quoting Gujarat Congress’s statement, the delegation demanded approval of 1.5 million bale export of Cotton which “was accepted by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran and he was to call Cotton Advisory Board’s meeting to give legitimate permission for additional export of 15 lakh bale but it hoax as till date CAB meeting has not being called moreover in between PMO issued the statement supporting the action of textile ministry to put export restriction on cotton bales, cotton yarns and even on cotton west that’s clear indication of having textile nexus with PMO too ,we are victim wrong policies of UPA and NDA as it is first time free import started after lifting import restrictions in 2004 even WTO deadline was 2008 by then NDA Govt. at the centre which allowed record 200 lakhs bales at much cheaper price than domestic market inviting thousands of farm suicides and now imposition of export restrictions are killing the cotton farmers hence we need economical protection to distress cotton farmers as given by USA” Tiwari added.

“Cotton prices have increased from Rs 30000/candy in April 2010 to Rs 60000/candy April 2011 which is an increase of about Rs 70-75 per kg and immediately Spinners increased the price of yarn from Rs 150/- per kg in April 2010 for 30s combed to Rs 230/- per kg in April 2011. Increase of Rs 80 per kg which reflects in cotton value to Rs 30000/per candy minimum. Fabric weavers too have increased prices of grey fabric of 40 x 40 counts 124 x 64 with 200 gm per mtr which is quoted at about Rs 70/- per sqmtr as against Rs 38 in April 2010. There is an increase of Rs 32/mtr which is Rs 160/- per kg which in terms of candy is about Rs 60000 and present ban on export has brought back cotton prices to the level of April 2010 which is artificial an stage managed and Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran is directly involved in this scam ” Tiwari added.

‘Maharashtra farmers are agitating since October 2010 for lifting of export ban on cotton now same demand is being echoed nationally but strong textile lobby is not allowing the rightful much needed decision is taken and they till lobbying hard to avoid official permission the additional export of cotton bales is granted and silent of PMO is much more irritating hence we have knocked the door of UPA convener Smt.Sonia Gandhi but nothing has resulted as on today” Tiwari added.

‘We need the urgent central intervention and demand to lift all export restriction of cotton bales and yarn too so that farmers get higher price to cotton ‘’Tiwari urged.

VJAS demands white paper on irrigation schemes-TIMES OF INDIA

VJAS demands white paper on irrigation schemes

TNN | May 25, 2011, 01.08am IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/VJAS-demands-white-paper-on-irrigation-schemes/articleshow/8561703.cms

NAGPUR: Farmers rights organization Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti, while welcoming the state Congress' decision to hold a water convention (Paani Parishad) at the farm suicide epicentre of Yavatmal on Thursday, demanded that chief minister Prithviraj Chavan should come clean on the alleged misuse of funds in the PM's relief package.

"Chavan should come out with a white paper on the alleged corruption in implementation of the PM's special relief package that had allocated a major chunk for enhancing irrigation facilities in drylands of Vidarbha," said Kishore Tiwari of VJAS. "Crores of rupees meant for irrigation works were siphoned off. To add insult to injury, the ruling partner NCP now wants special allocation of water to private power plants which are coming up in large number in Vidarbha," said Tiwari.

"We will request the chief minister to refer the matter to the Centre for a CBI probe as serious charges of corruption in irrigation works were levelled by legislature's public accounts committee (PAC) as well as the CAG. It is alleged that advance payment under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme was made by the VIDC (Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation).

"We are thankful to MPCC president Manikrao Thakre for organizing the convention as it will provide dais to the dying cotton farmers of Vidarbha to raise issues related to hostile functioning and failure of administration in increasing irrigation facilities in western Vidarbha since 2006 when the PM package was announced for six districts," said Tiwari.

VJAS has also supported the MPCC president's contention that there was no need for mushrooming of power plants in Vidarbha when already plants expected to generate 19,000MW are nearing completion. "The state should not allow robbery of water by some 60 private power plants that are eying cheap land and water in Vidarbha. Instead, the state should ensure optimum use of funds being allocated from the budget by the governor for removing irrigation backlog and benefiting farmers," said Tiwari.
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Posted by VIDARBHA FARMER SUICIDE at 2:59 AM

Farmers demand white paper on Rs. 5000 crore irrigation scam and water robbery in Vidarbha Water Convention (Paani Parishad)

Farmers demand white paper on Rs. 5000 crore irrigation scam and water robbery in Vidarbha Water Convention (Paani Parishad)

NAGPUR: May 24, 2011

A Vidarbha Water Convention (Paani Parishad) convened by MPCC president Manikrao Thakre and chaired by Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan and Union water resources minister Salman Khursheed at Indian farm suicide epicenter at Yavatmal on May 26 has given the opportunity to demand the white paper on alleged massive corruption in the prime minister relief package fund allotted to increase irrigation facility to the tune of Rs.5000/- core siphoned out by the NCP leader Ajit Pawar and farmers will press the Maharashtra Govt. official stand on on going irrigation water robbery by diverting the water for over 60 private power plants in the region.

"We will request Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan to ask centre to arrange C.B.I. enquiry on graft charges leveled by PAC and CAG and serious irregularities and advance payment under AIBP scheme by VIDC (Vidarbha Irrigation Dev. Corpn.) done by then Maharashtra Irrigation Minister Ajit Pawar and now as Power Minister givng the permission to use more than 40% water reserved for irrigation to the power plants expected to generate 40,000 MW electricity, are actually required in Vidarbha where a huge backlog in irrigation already exists," kishor tiwari of (VJAS) Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti informed in press release today.

“We are thankful to MPCC president Manikrao Thakre who has convened this Vidarbha Water Convention (Paani Parishad) as this will provide the dais to the dying vidarbha cotton farmers to raise issues related to hostile functioning and failure of administration to increase irrigation facility in west vidarbha and micro and major level as all small and big irrigation project since 2006 after visit of prime minister to vidarbha as there is drop in assured water supply to dry land farmers or area cultivated under irrigation has not increased more over maximum cotton farmers suicides as per official figure 5236 have reported in this period and ground water level has been dropped by to 160 meter as hydrology department monitoring the situation due to uncontrolled mining to save rain sensitive crop like Bt.cotton which are too serious to tolerate’ Tiwari added.

“This is fact that NCP, that shares the power with Congress, is perceived as aggressively encouraging power plants in Vidarbha promising the company cheap land and water are floated laws as related portfolios of power, finance and water resources are held by NCP hence vidarbha agrarian crisis is not addressed hence NCP ministers holding portfolios of power, finance and water resources should be changed with out delay and we will demand in 26^th may Water Convention (Paani Parishad) provided we are given the proper opportunity to speak and that is remote” Tiwari said .

(VJAS) Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti strongly support MPCC president Manikrao Thakre statement that “when over 63% of the state's electricity is generated in Vidarbha already. When there is a shortfall of less than 5000 MW where is the need to clear proposals for new power plants that put together will generate 40,000 MW. These plants will get coal from other states, use up water of this region denying it to farmers and then sell most of the power outside the state and stand of partymen in the region were against reserving water for power plants at the cost of agriculture. "Under the provision of Article 371(2), governor is allocating huge funds to Vidarbha for removing irrigation backlog now on physical basis. All this effort will be a waste if all the water is allowed to be lapped up by power plants .," . Vidarbha farmers will support MPCC president Manikrao Thakre to stop on going AIBP fund misuse and water robbery for power plants ,Tiwari said

Maharashtra Cotton Farmers Supports Cotton Association of India (CAI) Plea to Open Cotton Exports

Maharashtra Cotton Farmers Supports Cotton Association of India (CAI) Plea to Open Cotton Exports

NAGPUR – 23^rd May 2011 May

Maharashtra farmers have strongly supported the plea of The Cotton Association of India (CAI) to the Centre to allow exports of cotton without any quantitative restrictions as relaxation of upper cap from 55 lakhs to additionally 15 lakhs cotton bales has failed to any relief to the 5 million dying cotton farmers as region itself has got more than 20 laks cotton bales in addition to more than 40 lakhs bales surplus in other part of India as India has produced more than 330 lakhs cotton bales as against domestic requirement of 220 lakhs bales but crisis started when textile ministry put cap of 55lakhs cotton bales as against the last year export of 84 lakhs cotton bales ,Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti (VJAS) informed in a pres release today.
“This is first time the farmers and trade are fighting against quantitative restrictions as it was free import after lifting import restrictions in 2004 by then NDA Govt. at the centre which allowed record 200 lakhs bales at much cheaper price than domestic market inviting thousands of farm suicides and now imposition of export restrictions are killing the cotton farmers hence we need economical protection to distress cotton farmers as given by USA” Tiwari added.
In a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, CAI President Dhiren Sheth has sought immediate steps to make exports of cotton free under OGL (open general licence) without any quantitative restrictions. Cotton exports have not been permitted since the end of February which has resulted in almost 30 per cent crash in prices,
it is further In spite of this, it is ironical that prices in India remain around 15 to 20 per cent cheaper than that of the world and farmers have been deprived of realizing the international value for their cotton whilst they have been witnessing an erosion in the value of their produce day by day since the last couple of months, CAI said.

‘Maharashtra farmers are agitating since October 2010 for lifting of export ban on cotton now same demand is being echoed nationally but strong textile lobby is not allowing the rightful much needed decision is taken and they till lobbying hard to avoid official permission the additional export of cotton bales is granted and silent of PMO is much more irritating hence we have knocked the ddor of UPA convener Smt।Sonia Gandhi but nothing has resulted as on today” Tiwari added.

=================================

Vidarbha Farmers welcomes decision to Permit 15 lakh Cotton Bale Export

Vidarbha Farmers welcomes decision to Permit 15 lakh Cotton Bale Export

Nagpur - May 20, 2011

Vidarbha cotton farmers who are killing themselves due to cotton price crash after the imposition of export ban on cotton bales welcome the assurance given by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Gujarat congress delegation who met today pressing hard demand increase in Cotton export quota.as per Gujarat Congress’s statement, the delegation demanded approval of 1.5 million bale export of Cotton which “was accepted by Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran” and it is also reported that Maran told delegation that he would call Cotton Advisory Board’s meeting and promised that export of 15 lakh bale will be permitted, Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti VJAS informed in press note today .

As cotton price are further crashed in India more farmers suicides are being reported the reason for much Taboo on Cotton exports from India is result of unholy cartel of finger counting textile tycoon and Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran which is responsible for present cotton rowers crisis in India ,farm activist group Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti VJAS allged and urged Indian prime minister to sack Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran to save more than 5 million dying cotton farmers of Maharashtra .

“This is not complete relief as 15 lakhs cotton bales export permission is peanut as against demand of 15 million bales but it will certainly stop the raw cotton prices restoration in local market where farmers are selling the cotton at throw away price in panic sale .we are trying to meet UPA convener Smt.Sonia Gandhi in a day or two asking her for urgent intervention in order to resolve the crisis as Textile minister initially restricted cotton bales export to 55 lakhs bales from earlier year 84 lakh bales even when country cotton production is higher by another 25 lakhs bales then ban export of cotton yarn and now surprisingly as per Quota Policy of Cotton items now added Cotton Waste ( Comber Noil) H. S. Code No. 5202 as Cotton Waste is a ‘By-product’ of Cotton Yarn. when plenty of quota of Cotton Yarn lying unutilized the hostile functioning of Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran has a allaowed textile cartel to include the by-product banned with a major raw material and brought under same category in the field of exports” Tiwari said..

“Cotton prices have increased from Rs 30000/candy in April 2010 to Rs 60000/candy April 2011 which is an increase of about Rs 70-75 per kg and immediately Spinners increased the price of yarn from rs 150/- per kg in April 2010 for 30s combed to Rs 230/- per kg in April 2011. increase of Rs 80 per kg which reflects in cotton value to Rs 30000/per candy minimum. Fabric weavers too have increased prices of grey fabric of 40 x 40 counts 124 x 64 with 200 gm per mtr which is quoted at about Rs 70/- per sqmtr as against Rs 38 in April 2010. There s an increase of Rs 32/mtr which is Rs 160/- per kg which in terms of candy is about Rs 58/60000 and present ban on export has brought back cotton prices to the level of April 2010 which is artificial an stage managed and Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran is directly involved in this scam ” Tiwari added.

‘As Cotton is an agricultural commodity and higher the prices farmers get, they will be encouraged to produce more and more of cotton and when Cotton production has grown from a low of 225 lac bales to 330 lac bales in last 5 years the undue protection to Local textile mills benefiting of buying Indian cotton at prices which are at least

lower by 30% as compared to its competitor in Bangladesh, Pakistan and other countries who buy from other growths which is reason behind the present restriction of cotton export and when Indian cotton after lot of hard work and promotion by exporters have found a very stable and regular market of its cotton in foreign countries and Govt should ensure that the markets created are not lost to competition due to faulty Govt policies.” It is alleged.

‘We need the urgent central intervention and demand to lift all export restriction of cotton bales and yarn too so that farmers get higher price to cotton ‘’Tiwari urged.

Bt.cotton Crisis-Saga Indian Ffarmer suicides-Times of India

Bt.cotton crisis-Saga Indian Ffarmer suicides-Times of India

Printed from

Two Days after Hike, Bt cotton seeds with Revised Rates out in Market

Ramu Bhagwat, TNN | May 17, 2011, 06.03am IST

NAGPUR: Within two days of Maharashtra government approving a hike in prices of Bt cotton seeds, manufacturers on Monday started distributing stocks with packets bearing the new rates. The price has been hiked by Rs 180 per packet of 450 gm - from Rs 750 to Rs 930 of the BG-II variety. TOI had reported on April 21 that Bt seeds would cost around Rs 200 more in the ensuing kharif season.

Kashinath Milmile, a seed dealer at Pandharkawda, one of the main cotton growing centres of the region, told TOI he was yet to receive stocks from the seed companies. He said a manufacturer with the brand name 'Krishidhan' had distributed stocks with the new rates at Wani market. "The packets of BG-II bore a price tag of Rs 930 and that of BG-I had Rs 830, a hike of Rs 180 per packet," he said.

With reports of monsoon likely to hit Kerala coast by May end, farming activity has started with renewed vigour and purchases of inputs has begun in earnest. With the seed companies finally being allowed to raise prices, which had been stagnant for last four years, new stocks had been held up until now. "The fact that the seed companies are hand in glove with the government is clear from the fact that just a day after Maharashtra government allowed the price hike, packets with prices printed on them are already out," said Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti.

Tiwari lamented that the state had meekly agreed to the hike without any resistance. "In neighbouring Andhra Pradesh the government is opposing the price hike," he added. Together the two states account for nearly 60% of the country's total area under cotton cultivation.

"The higher cost of seeds will add to the farmer's burden, with fertilizer costs having shot up by 24% as compared to last season," said Tiwari. Milmile also confirmed that DAP fertilizer, which was priced at Rs 512 a bag last year was now selling for Rs 637 and there were reports of a further hike up to Rs 670 soon," said the dealer from Pandharkawda.

"This capital intensive cash crop of cotton is full of risks," Tiwari said. But there is hardly any initiative from the government for any change in crop pattern and farmers are taking a bigger plunge into cotton. There are already reports that cotton area may go up by 20% from around 110 lakh hectares last year.

"Costlier seeds, fertilizers and a steep increase in labour costs will only increase risks, more so since there is no assurance of a higher returns in the next season. But unmindful of consequences more and more farmers from even other regions and those traditionally growing soyabean and tur are shifting to cotton," said Tiwari.

Posted by VIDARBHA FARMER SUICIDE at 10:09 PM

Vidarbha farmers urge PM to sack union textile minister-TIMES OF INDIA

Printed from

Vidarbha farmers urge PM to sack union textile minister

TNN | May 16, 2011, 06.24am ईस्ट
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Vidarbha-farmers-urge-PM-to-sack-union-textile-minister/articleshow/8353109.cms

YAVATMAL: With the cotton crisis in Vidarbha escalating, cotton growers have urged Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to sack Union textile minister and textile tycoon Dayanidhi Maran immediately. The farmers have said that only such a step will rescue the over five million dying farmers of the state.

Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti president Kishore Tiwari has said that Maran is squarely responsible for the worsening cotton crisis. He has demanded his sacking and registration of cases under the Indian Penal Code.

Maran has restricted the exports of cotton to 55 lakh bales as against the earlier permission of 84 lakh bales in the previous year.

Tiwari said that the Union government under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is making hectic efforts to give a new lease of life to debt-ridden farmers of Vidarbha. However, vested interests have taken a rigid and arbitrary decision to ban exports of cotton bales beyond 55 lakh, even though there is a bumper crop and competitive international market price, he said.

He has argued for a lenient policy, which enables farmers to export maximum quantity of cotton to international markets, which would help improve the farmers' crumbling financial condition.

Tiwari pointed out that local private traders and their touts, funded by greedy money lenders, have already ensured that local market price of cotton has gone down from Rs 6,500 to a Rs 2,200 per quintal in recent days.

The social worker has said that the bumper crop this year, coupled with bad climatic condition and poor production in neighbouring cotton growing countries, had ensured a comparatively high price from the beginning of this procurement season.

With this in mind, cotton growers had opted to hold cotton in stock instead of selling it, in anticipation of a higher price. However, unscrupulous private traders have brought down the price deliberately.

"Hundreds of cotton farmers and farm widows have decided to march to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister and UPA convener Sonia Gandhi and urge intervention to resolve the artificial crisis created by vested interests of the mighty textile lobby," Kishore Tiwari has said.

Maharashtra cotton farmers to meet Sonia on export ban -Indo Asian News Service

Maharashtra cotton farmers to meet Sonia on export ban

Indo Asian News Service, On Sunday 15 May 2011, 7:38 PM

Nagpur (Maharashtra), May 15 (IANS) A delegation of cotton farmers and farmers' widows from Maharashtra will meet United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chief Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi May 20, seeking lifting of the ban on cotton exports, an activist said here Sunday.

Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS) president Kishore Tiwari said that the delegation will apprise Gandhi of the immense hardships faced by the cotton farmers in Maharashtra and other parts of the country on account of the ban on exports, resulting in agitations in different parts.

According to Tiwari, the delegation will also demand sacking of Union Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran who is allegedly responsible for the crisis gripping the textile industry.

'If we are not satisfied with the outcome of our meetings in the capital, then, like Anna Hazare, we plan to sit on indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar and relay strikes all over India till our demands are fulfilled,' Tiwari told IANS.

Slamming the 'anti-farmer policies' pursued by Maran, Tiwari alleged that the present ban on cotton exports was designed to protect the textile lobby of south India and enable them get cheap raw material to hike their profit margins.

The present prices of raw cotton (which includes 35 percent pure cotton and rest seeds) have plummeted to below Rs.3,400 per quintal last month, from a high of Rs.7,000.

Tiwari feels that the situation can now be salvaged and the farmers saved from certain suicide by increasing the exports from the existing quota of 5.5 million bales to 15 million cotton bales.

He said the farmers find the export restrictions shocking especially since there is a good demand for cotton in the world markets which Indian can exploit and help the farmers recover their losses of the past one decade.

'It is difficult to fathom why the export quota has not been hiked this year when last year 8.3 million cotton bales were exported,' Tiwari said.

The situation is particularly good this year with floods hitting cotton crops in China and Pakistan and crop areas slashed in the US, he said.

कापूस निर्यात बंदी करणाऱ्या वस्त्रोद्योग मंत्र्यांची हकालपट्टी करा -विदर्भ जनआंदोलन समिती भेटणार सोनियांना, दिल्लीत सत्याग्रह-लोकसत्ता

कापूस निर्यात बंदी करणाऱ्या वस्त्रोद्योग मंत्र्यांची हकालपट्टी करा

विदर्भ जनआंदोलन समिती भेटणार सोनियांना, दिल्लीत सत्याग्रह-लोकसत्ता नागपूर, १४ मे/प्रतिनिधी http://loksatta.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=156850:2011-05-14-19-15-17&catid=45:2009-07-15-04-01-33&Itemid=56 कापसाची निर्यात बंदी करणाऱ्या वस्त्रोद्योग मंत्र्यांची हकालपट्टी करण्याची मागणी करीत विदर्भ जनआंदोलन समितीने यासंदर्भात काँग्रेस अध्यक्ष सोनिया गांधी यांची भेट घेण्याचा निर्णय घेतला आहे.गेल्या एक महिन्यात कापसाच्या किमती ज्या ५० टक्क्याने पडल्या आहेत त्याला भारतातील गिरणी कामगारांचे प्रतिनिधी वस्त्रोद्योग मंत्री दयानिधी मारन जबाबदार आहेत. सरकारने कापसाच्या गाठीनंतर आता कापसाच्या धाग्यावर व वेस्ट कॉटनवर बंदी घालून संकट अजून कठीण केले आहे. सध्या शेतकऱ्याजवळ २० लाख गाठीचा कापूस असून सरकारने गेल्या वर्षी एवढी ८६ लाख गाठीची निर्यातीची परवानगी तात्काळ द्यावी व कापूस उत्पादक शेतकरीविरोधी दयानिधी मारन यांची तात्काळ हकालपट्टी करावी, अशी मागणी समितीने केली आहे. जोपर्यंत सरकार कापूस व तूर उत्पादकांच्या समस्येवर तोडगा काढत नाही तोपर्यंत दिल्ली येथे येत्या २० मे पासून सत्याग्रह करण्याचा गंभीर इशारा समितीने दिला आहे. गेल्या तीन महिन्यापासून समितीने कापूस उत्पादक शेतकऱ्यांच्या निर्यातविरोधी धोरणावर आवाज उठवला. हजारो शेतकऱ्यांनी २५ फेब्रुवारीला निर्यातबंदी उठवण्यासाठी अर्थमंत्री व कृषीमंत्र्यांच्या पुतळ्याला फाशी देऊन तीव्र भावना प्रगट केल्या. १ मे रोजी ३००च्या वर शेतकऱ्यांनी महाराष्ट्र दिनी उपोषण सत्याग्रह करून कापूस व तूर उत्पादक शेतकऱ्यांच्या प्रश्नावर काँग्रेस अध्यक्ष सोनिया गांधी यांना तोडगा काढण्याची विनंती केली होती. मात्र, या गंभीर प्रश्नावर सरकार उदासीन असून कापूस उत्पादक शेतकरी प्रचंड आर्थिक संकटामुळे आत्महत्या करत आहेत. हे कुटुंबसुद्धा येत्या २० मे रोजी दिल्लीला रवाना होतील, अशी माहिती समितीने दिली आहे. यावर्षी कापसाचा पेरा ११० लाख हेक्टरमध्ये झाला व सरकारने दिलेल्या आकडेवारीनुसारच सध्या ३१० लाख गाठीची आवक झाली आहे. मात्र, सरकारने कापसाच्या निर्यातीवर ५५ लाख गाठीची मर्यादा टाकून बंदी टाकली आहे. याउलट, गेल्या वर्षी कापसाचा पेरा ८२ लाख हेक्टरमध्ये होता व कापसाचे उत्पन्न २८६ लाख गाठी झाल्याचे सरकारने घोषित केले होते. मात्र, देशात कापूस गिरण्यांना २०० लाख गाठीच लागतात, हे कारण समोर करून ८४ लाख गाठी निर्यातीसाठी खुल्या केल्या होत्या. याउलट, यावर्षी कापसाचे उत्पन्न मागील वर्षीपेक्षा २५ लाख गाठीने जास्त होत असूनसुद्धा देशाच्या कापड गिरण्या वाचवण्यासाठी ५५ लाख गाठीपेक्षा जास्त गाठी सरकार ऑक्टोबरपूर्वी निर्यात करणार नाही, अशा घोषणेमुळे कापसाचे भाव ६ हजार ५०० रुपये प्रती क्विटलवरून ३ हजार ५०० रुपये प्रती क्विंटलच्याही खाली जात आहे. याला कापड गिरणी मालकाच्या दबावामुळे निर्यातीवर रोख लावून कापूस उत्पादक शेतकऱ्यांचे प्रचंड आर्थिक नुकसान सरकार करीत आहे. गेल्या वर्षीसुद्धा याच महिन्यात सरकारने निर्यातबंदी लावली होती. मात्र, त्यावेळेस महाराष्ट्राच्या मंत्रिमंडळाच्या ज्येष्ठ सदस्यांनी सोनिया गांधी यांची भेट घेऊन निर्यातबंदी उठवली होती. मात्र, आज हेच मंत्री शेतकऱ्यांचा कापूस संपला आहे म्हणून निर्यात बंदी ऑक्टोबरमध्ये उठवण्यासाठी प्रयत्न करणार असल्याची जाहीर घोषणा करीत आहे. प्रत्यक्षात २० टक्के कापूस अजूनही शेतकऱ्यांकडे पडून असून ७ हजारावर भाव मिळेल, या आशेवर होते. मात्र, आता किंमती अध्र्याहूनही कमी झाल्यामुळे हजारो शेतकरी आर्थिक संकटात सापडले असून या शेतकऱ्यांना वाचवण्यासाठी कापसाच्या निर्यातीचा कोटा कमीतकमी गेल्या वर्षी दिला तेवढा ८४ लाख गाठीचा द्यावा, अशी मागणी विदर्भ जनआंदोलन समितीने केली आहे. आपली प्रतिक्रिया नोंदवा प्रतिक्रिया (0) प्रतिक्रिया येथे नोंदवा तुमची संपर्क माहिती: नाव: ई-मेल: प्रतिक्रिया: विषय: मजकुर: (Press Ctrl+g to toggle between English and Marathi, While using Virtual Keyboard Press Shift to get more Alphabets)

"Sack Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran"-Cotton Farmers

Cotton Crisis Deppen –Farmers urged Prime Minster to Sack Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran

Nagpur - May 14, 2011

As cotton price are further crashed in India more farmers suicides are being reported the reason for much Taboo on Cotton exports from India is result of unholy cartel of finger counting textile tycoon and Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran which is responsible for present cotton rowers crisis in India ,farm activist group Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti VJAS allged and urged indaina prime minister to sack Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran to save more than 5 million dyinf cotton afrmers of Maharashtra ,Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti VJAS informed in press note today .

“Hindered of cotton farmers and farm widows are marching to Delhi to meet Indian Prime Minister and UPA Convener Smt.Sonia Gandhi for urgent intervention in order to resolve the crisis as Textile minister initially restricted cotton bales export to 55 lakhs bales from earlier year 84 lakh bales even when country cotton production is higher by another 25 lakhs bales then ban export of cotton yarn and now surprisingly as per Quota Policy of Cotton items now added Cotton Waste ( Comber Noil) H. S. Code No. 5202 as

Cotton Waste is a ‘By-product’ of Cotton Yarn. when plenty of quota of Cotton Yarn lying unutilized the hostile functioning of Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran has a allaowed textile cartel to include the by-product banned with a major raw material and brought under same category in the field of exports” Tiwari said..

“Cotton prices have increased from rs 30000/candy in april 2010 to Rs 60000/candy April 2011 which is an increase of about Rs 70-75 per kg and immediately Spinners increased the price of yarn from rs 150/- per kg in April 2010 for 30s combed to Rs 230/- per kg in April 2011. increase of Rs 80 per kg which reflects in cotton value to Rs 30000/per candy minimum. Fabric weavers too have increased prices of grey fabric of 40 x 40 counts 124 x 64 with 200 gm per mtr which is quoted at about Rs 70/- per sqmtr as against Rs 38 in April 2010. There s an increase of Rs 32/mtr which is Rs 160/- per kg which in terms of candy is about Rs 58/60000 and present ban on export has brought back cotton prices to the level of April 2010 which is artificial an stage managed and Union Textile Minister Dayanithi Maran is directly involved in this scam ” Tiwari added.

‘As Cotton is an agricultural commodity and higher the prices farmers get, they will be encouraged to produce more and more of cotton and when Cotton production has grown from a low of 225 lac bales to 330 lac bales in last 5 years the undue protection to Local textile mills benefiting of buying Indian cotton at prices which are at least

lower by 30% as compared to its competitor in Bangladesh, Pakistan and other countries who buy from other growths which is reason behind the present restriction of cotton export and when Indian cotton after lot of hard work and promotion by exporters have found a very stable and regular market of its cotton in foreign countries and Govt should ensure that the markets created are not lost to competition due to faulty Govt policies.” It is alleged.

‘We need the urgent central intervention and demand to lift all export restriction of cotton bales and yarn too so that farmers get higher price to cotton ‘’Tiwari urged.

Posted by VIDARBHA FARMER SUICIDE at 11:02 PM