Gadwal: Thousands of seed cotton farmers gathered at the Jogulamba Gadwal District Collectorate, demanding fair treatment from seed companies. The farmers, feeling betrayed by what they called a “corporate betrayal,” insisted that all of their harvested cotton be purchased.
Initially calm, the protest turned intense when companies announced they would only buy 2 quintals of cotton per acre. This decision threatened farmers who invested over ₹1 lakh per acre, expecting full sales.
Farmers, led by the Nadigadda Rights Protection Committee, occupied the Collector’s office, determined not to leave until their demands were met. Gongalla Ranjith Kumar, a leading farmer, criticized the seed companies for backtracking after farmers had grown the crop.
District Collector B.M. Santosh, along with officials, intervened and negotiated a solution. The companies agreed to buy the entire crop and provided written promises. Santosh assured farmers that any breaches could be reported for immediate action, pledging, “Every grain of your seed cotton will be bought.”
Beyond procurement, farmers demanded immediate payment of last year’s dues, advance payments for current costs, and fair pricing. The Collector promised to oversee pricing and payments, ensuring farmer interests are protected.
Political support poured in as BRS leaders criticized the Congress government. Kuruva Pallayya blamed the Revanth Reddy administration for failing farmers, stating, “This is Revanth Reddy’s gift to farmers — betrayal.”
Farmers and supporters, including leaders like Buchibabu and Lavanna, united to assert their right to decide the fate of their crops. The protest highlighted the farmers’ determination not to be silent victims anymore.
With the administration on their side, farmers face the future more optimistically, hoping for accountability and fairness as the monsoon and next cropping season approach. This victory is seen as a step towards a new era of dignity for Telangana’s farmers.
