A significant rise in cotton farming in Telangana during the 2025 Kharif season is boosting demand for high-quality cotton seeds. Farmers returning to cotton due to promising market returns, have expressed concerns over the ability of these seeds meeting the anticipated need.

Traditionally constituting over 40 per cent of the total planted area in the state, Cotton is preferred for its ability to thrive in Telangana’s climate and soil. Furthermore, strong market demand has driven this increase, with cotton fetching attractive prices of $96 to $168 per hundredweight in previous seasons.

With cotton cultivation expected to expand beyond 5.06 million acre, the demand for quality cotton seeds has skyrocketed. Officials estimate, over 107 million packets of cotton seeds are needed to support the planned expansion.

However, the overall availability of cotton seeds is only about half of the projected requirement according to sources. This has raised concerns about whether farmers will have access to enough seeds before planting begins in late May. Officials claim that efforts are underway to make 240 million packets (15.87 ounces each) of cotton seeds available. However, logistical challenges and market supply limitations pose obstacles.

In the past, shortages in certain districts have allowed private sellers to take advantage of farmers by charging inflated prices. With demand at its peak, growers are worried about whether the government will step in decisively to ensure timely availability or allow private traders to dominate the market once again.

The presence of fake seeds in the market would be a major problem. This can only be addressed by having sufficient stock available by the end of May. The presence of Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) purchasing centers in key districts like Adilabad and Mahabubnagar is expected to help ensure fair market access.