Kavitala
Farmers in Kavitala are facing hardships due to a recent decline in the price of cotton, compounding the challenges posed by this year’s drought. Despite adverse weather conditions, many farmers in the region cultivated cotton, only to find themselves struggling with falling prices in the market. The price of cotton, which stood at over ₹7,800 per quintal three months ago, has now dropped to ₹6,500. This significant decrease is causing financial strain for farmers who invested in cultivating cotton, exacerbating the impact of the low yield due to the drought. Farmers Maulali and Ganganna express their concerns, stating, This year, due to the lack of rain, the yield has collapsed, while the fall in prices has added to the wounds of the farmers. It is doubtful that the money put in will reach the hands. Veerabhadrappa Gaddi, a local trader dealing in cotton, notes that the falling prices are affecting both farmers and traders. Traders who purchased cotton from farmers and supply it to markets in Bellary, Annigeri, Jewargi, and Gokaka are also facing losses. Traders attribute the decline in cotton prices to various factors, including increased diseases due to the lack of rain, a decline in cotton quality, low yields, reduced seed quantity in cotton, and a surplus of last year’s good-quality cotton in the mills. These factors collectively contribute to a decreased demand in the market, leading to a continuous decline in prices.
