Archive · 22 Aug 2025
Farmers' Union Slams Duty Removal on Cotton Imports
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a group of farmers, is angry about the government removing the tax on imported cotton.
They say this will hurt local cotton farmers by making prices go down.
They believe the government is not helping farmers enough, as they have not followed through on promises to support them.
SKM wants the government to bring back the tax and ensure farmers get a fair price for their cotton.
They're asking farmers to protest and demand action.
SKM condemns the removal of import duty on cotton, calling it harmful to farmers.
The Finance Ministry abolished the 11% import duty and Agricultural Infrastructure Development Cess on cotton, effective August 19.
SKM argues the decision will flood the market with cheaper cotton, harming cotton farmers already facing low prices.
SKM accuses the Modi government of neglecting farmers and not implementing the C2+50% MSP formula.
SKM calls on cotton farmers to protest and demand withdrawal of the duty abolition and MSP at Rs 10,075 per quintal.
- Who
- Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), Finance Ministry, cotton farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- SKM condemns the removal of import duty on cotton.
- When
- Effective August 19, 2024 until September 30, 2025.
- Where
- India, particularly cotton-growing regions.
- Why
- SKM believes the removal of import duty will harm cotton farmers.
SKM's Stance
Government's Justification (as stated)
Impact of Import Duty Removal
SKM's Stance
Abolition of duty will flood the market with cheap cotton, driving down prices.
Government's Justification (as stated)
The article does not explicitly state the government's justification, other than it being "in the public interest."
Government's Policy on Cotton Farmers
SKM's Stance
The government is neglecting farmers and has not implemented the C2+50% MSP formula.
Government's Justification (as stated)
Not specified in this article.
- Duty Abolition
- 11% import duty and Agricultural Infrastructure Development Cess on cotton
- Effective Date
- August 19, 2024
- Duration
- Until September 30, 2025
- SKM's Demand for MSP
- Rs 10,075 per quintal
- Global Cotton Area - India
- 36%
