Removing import duty on cotton a direct attack on farmers’ interests: Gurnam Singh Charuni

KURUKSHETRA: The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Charuni has strongly opposed the Centre Government’s recent decision to abolish the 11% import duty on cotton, terming it a “direct assault on the livelihood of Indian cotton growers.

”According to the BKU Charuni’s national president, Gurnam Singh Charuni, the decision has triggered widespread anger among farmers across the country. “Within just two days of this announcement, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) slashed prices by Rs 1,100 per candy, proving how devastating this move is for the domestic market,” Charuni said in a press statement on Friday.He alleged that the government’s decision was taken to benefit the textile industry and under pressure from the United States of America, which is India’s second-largest cotton exporter.

“Now, a flood of American cotton will enter Indian markets, further dragging down domestic prices. The burden of this policy will fall squarely on Indian farmers,” Charuni cautioned.BKU highlighted the broader risks of the move. Cotton cultivation in India has already been on a steady decline. BKU said imports rose by 107% in 2024–25, while production fell from 39 million bales to 30 million bales. The sown area in the current Kharif season also dropped by 3.24 lakh hectares, a decline of 2.91% compared to last year.

Farmers and traders who stocked cotton at higher rates are now facing ruin, and prices of the upcoming harvest are also expected to remain under pressure, said Charuni.A recent report by Rural Voice had warned that removing import duties would trigger a steep price crash – a prediction that has now come true, the Union stated.BKU Charuni placed four key demands before the Centre government: Immediate restoration of the import duty on cotton.

Charuni also announced that his union has begun preparations for a nationwide protest. A crucial meeting of cotton farmers has been called on August 28, 2025, in Bhiwani, Haryana, to chalk out the agitation strategy.“This fight is not only about cotton farmers but about the future of the entire farming community. We will not tolerate any policy that destroys farmers’ livelihoods. If our demands are ignored, the struggle will extend from the streets to the Parliament,” Charuni warned.