Telangana faces cotton seed crunch amid expanding cultivation area in Kharif

Over 1.07 crore packets of cotton seeds required to sustain the planned expansion; overall availability of seeds stands at only half of the projected requirement, say sources

Hyderabad: As Telangana gears up for a substantial increase in cotton cultivation during Kharif 2025 season, the demand for quality cotton seeds has surged. Farmers are shifting back to cotton due to promising market returns. But their worries are mounting over whether the seed supply can meet the projected requirement.

The crop, traditionally comprising over 40 per cent of the total sown area in the State, is favoured for its adaptability to Telangana’s climate and soil conditions. Additionally, strong market demand has fuelled the surge, with cotton fetching attractive prices of Rs 8,000 to Rs 14,000 per quintal in previous seasons. Disillusioned by losses incurred in alternative crops such as pulses, maize, soybean, and turmeric, farmers are turning back to cotton for better returns.

With cotton cultivation set to expand beyond 20.50 lakh hectares, the demand for quality cotton seeds has skyrocketed. Officials estimate that over 1.07 crore packets of cotton seeds are required to sustain the planned expansion. A buffer of 15 per cent is always mandated to meet contingencies that may arise due to calamities. In different districts farmers were forced to go for second sowing as dry spells resulted in poor germination of seed.

The overall availability of cotton seeds stands at only half of the projected requirement, according to sources. It has created concerns over whether farmers would have access to sufficient seeds before sowing begins in late May. Officials claim that moves were afoot to make 2.4 crore packets (450 gm each) of cotton seeds available. But logistical hurdles and market supply constraints pose challenges.

In the past, shortages in certain districts have enabled private sellers to exploit farmers by charging inflated prices. With demand peaking, growers are anxious to see if the government will intervene decisively to ensure timely availability or allow private traders to dominate the market once again.

Spurious seeds making it to outlets would be a major problem. It can be addressed only by positioning adequate stock by the end of May. The presence of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) purchase centers in key districts like Adilabad and Mahabubnagar is expected to facilitate fair market access. Beyond seed shortages, farmers may face pest related issues such as pink bollworm infestations, labor shortages, and climate variability, which could impact yields despite the acreage increase.