Bhubaneswar: The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) Chairman and Managing Director, Lalit Gupta, met Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, at Lokseva Bhavan today. The meeting focused on critical issues concerning cotton production, procurement, and market facilities in the state.
During the discussions, Gupta highlighted that cotton cultivation in Odisha spans 2.39 lakh hectares, with a production target of 40 lakh quintals this year. He noted that Odisha’s cotton is of exceptional quality and enjoys high demand in the market. The meeting also delved into future strategies for strengthening the partnership between CCI and the Odisha government to enhance the cotton sector.
Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Regional Manager of CCI T.K. Das, and Additional Director of DAFE J. Surya Rao were present during the meeting. The discussions aimed to streamline efforts to boost cotton cultivation and ensure better market access for farmers.
Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized the importance of aligning efforts between the government and CCI to maximize the benefits for Odisha’s cotton farmers. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their produce.