Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat Kisan Morcha President Praveen Ram has criticized the state government’s new cotton initiative, calling the BJP Cotton Revolution Mission a scheme designed to benefit political leaders rather than farmers. He alleged that the recently announced ₹134 crore allocation under the Mission for Cotton Productivity will not reach genuine cotton growers.
Praveen Ram claimed that the timing of the scheme raises questions, as most farmers in Gujarat have already completed cotton sowing after the arrival of monsoon rains. According to him, announcing conditions after the sowing process has ended could create opportunities for fake applications and misuse of government funds.
AAP Questions Timing of Cotton Productivity Scheme
Reacting to the government’s announcement, Praveen Ram said that the scheme appears to be introduced after the farming cycle has already progressed. He questioned why such conditions were not announced before farmers began sowing their crops.
Under the scheme, farmers maintaining a specific distance between cotton plants will reportedly receive financial assistance. Farmers following a spacing pattern of 90×30 cm may receive ₹14,000 per hectare, while those following 90×60 cm spacing may receive ₹7,500 per hectare, subject to a maximum limit of two hectares.
The AAP leader alleged that because sowing has already been completed in many areas, the benefits could be misused through fake documents and applications instead of reaching farmers.
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Praveen Ram Demands Better Cotton Prices for Farmers
While criticizing the BJP Cotton Revolution Mission, Praveen Ram questioned the government’s focus on increasing production without ensuring fair prices for existing cotton output.
He said farmers are already facing financial difficulties and demanded that the government should first ensure better market prices for cotton growers. According to him, increasing production alone will not improve farmers’ conditions unless they receive proper returns for their crops.
AAP Suggests Increasing Import Duty on Foreign Cotton
Praveen Ram said that if the government genuinely wants to support cotton farmers, it should increase import duties on cotton coming from foreign markets, including the United States.
He claimed that making imported cotton more expensive could help domestic farmers receive better prices for their produce and encourage them to increase cultivation.
Political Fight Over Cotton Scheme Continues
The BJP Cotton Revolution Mission has become a point of political debate in Gujarat, with AAP accusing the government of ignoring farmers’ real concerns. Praveen Ram alleged that the scheme was being used to create an image of farmer welfare while failing to address issues like fair pricing and agricultural challenges.
The Gujarat government has announced the initiative as a step toward improving cotton productivity, while the opposition continues to question its implementation and benefits for farmers
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