Archive · 3 Sep 2025
Farmers Protest Cotton Import Duty Removal
Farmers are upset about the government's decision to stop charging a tax on imported cotton.
They gathered to protest this change because they believe it will lower the price of cotton grown in their country, hurting their income.
They want the government to bring back the tax and help them with their loans and also want the government to pay them within eight hours of buying their cotton at a higher price.
They feel betrayed because the government promised to support them, but this decision goes against that promise.
Farmers protested the removal of the 11% cotton import duty.
The protest was organized by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).
Farmers demand the reversal of the import duty cut.
Protestors criticize the government for betraying farmers.
Farmers seek loan waivers and better cotton prices.
- Who
- Farmers, agricultural leaders, SKM
- What
- Protested cotton import duty removal
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Ongole District Collectorate
- Why
- To protest import duty removal and protect domestic cotton prices
Farmers / Agricultural Leaders
Government
Impact of Import Duty
Farmers / Agricultural Leaders
Removal hurts domestic cotton prices, farmers' income.
Government
Not explicitly stated.
Government Support
Farmers / Agricultural Leaders
Government betrayed farmers.
Government
Not explicitly stated.
- Protest Location
- Ongole District Collectorate
- Protesting Group
- Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM)
- Demand
- Reversal of cotton import duty removal
- Import Duty
- 11% removed on August 19
- Farmers Affected
- 6 crore cotton farming families
- Additional Demands
- Loan waivers up to ₹2 lakh; Swaminathan Commission C2+50% price
Sources
Centre’s free imports to subdue cotton prices leave Maharashtra gin owners in dire straits
Duty-free cotton imports to hit farmers
Rate cuts, discount spurs Indian demand for Cotton Corporation of India stocks
Move to slash raw cotton import levy justified
GST rate hike could cripple India's garment industry, warns CMAI
Farmers demand removal of cotton import duty
