Samyukt Kisan Morcha Warns of Farmer Distress Over Cotton Import Duty Removal

### Quick Summary
– The Indian government has decided to scrap import duty on cotton.
– According to Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), this decision will likely push domestic cotton prices downward, affecting Indian cotton farmers negatively.
– SKM leaders highlighted that U.S. cotton producers receive significant subsidies (12% of the production value compared to India’s 2.37%) which gives them a competitive edge over developing countries like India.
– farmers in India’s major cotton-growing regions have already invested heavily in their crops, anticipating remunerative returns during the harvest season.
– SKM stated this decision worsens an already precarious situation for farmers, who are often dealing with agrarian distress, debt accumulation, and farmer suicides in these regions.

[Read more](https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/government-suspends-import-duty-on-cotton/article69951173.ece)

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### Indian Opinion Analysis
The government’s move to scrap import duty on cotton appears aimed at stabilizing domestic supply chains but raises serious concerns about its implications for India’s agriculture sector. Cotton farmers already face challenges from global markets dominated by subsidized players like the United States.Without comparable support mechanisms, Indian farmers may struggle further due to declining prices.

Timing is critical; this policy change comes when most local farmers have significant investments locked into their crops with expectations of favorable prices during harvest season. It risks deepening farmer indebtedness and exacerbating rural distress, especially in regions historically prone to agrarian crises and suicides.

While boosting accessibility for industries reliant on imported cotton is a valid economic strategy, balancing it against potential harm to vulnerable agricultural communities will be crucial going forward.