The Andhra Pradesh government and Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) have jointly planned to set up two cotton purchasing centers (CPC) in the district soon. Cotton crop is being cultivated in the district in Bhamini, Sitampeta, Sarubujjili, Palakonda, Santhakaviti, Ranastalam, Rajam, Regidi and Vangara mandals in an extent of 30,000 acres. Due to lack of proper purchasing centers, middlemen are exploiting cotton farmers every year. Previously only one centre had been arranged every year in December last week by that time middlemen used to procure cotton from farmers at cheaper price and in turn they sold the same produce for high price.

As against government fixed price of Rs 4,100 per quintal middlemen paid Rs 3,100 as a result, farmers lost Rs 1,000 per quintal cotton. Joint Collector KVN Chakradhara Babu has directed officials to organize two purchasing centers at Rajam and Sitampeta by November-end for early procurement of cotton from farmers.