Business

Gujarat Government Initiates Cotton Procurement at Support Price; Registration Open Until March 15

Published

11 months ago

March 12, 2025

In a bid to provide fair pricing to farmers, the Gujarat government has launched a cotton procurement initiative at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The Cotton Corporation of India Ltd (CCI), a government entity, will be purchasing cotton at the support price until September 2025. The Government of India has set the MSP for cotton at Rs 7,471 per quintal.

Farmers in Gujarat who intend to sell their cotton at this price must register on the Cotton Corporation of India’s e-market portal via designated procurement centers by March 15. Only those farmers who have completed the registration will be eligible to sell their cotton at the support price.

To facilitate farmers, CCI has set up several procurement centers across the state. In the Ahmedabad zone, these centers are located in Bahadarpur, Bavla, Bodeli, Chanasma, Dabhoi, Dahegam, Dhandhuka, Dholka, Handod, Harij, Himmatnagar, Idar, Jadar, Kaledia, Kapadvanj, Karjan, Kosindra, Kukarmunda, Mansa, Naswadi, Nizar, Palej, Pavijetpur, Samalaya, Sathamba, Talod, Wadali, Walia, Vijapur, and Visnagar.

In the Rajkot zone, procurement centers have been established in Amreli, Babra, Bagasara, Rajula, Savarkundla, Damnagar, Timbi, Khambha, Gariyadhar, Mahuva, Palitana, Umrala, Talaja, Botad, Dhasa, Ranpur, Gadhada, Bhanvad, Una, Dhrol, Jam-Jodhpur, Jamnagar, Kalavad, Manavadar, Anjar, Bhuj, Mandvi, Halvad, Morbi, Wankaner, Porbandar, Dhoraji, Gondal, Jasdan, Jamkandorana, Jetpur, Kotda-Sangani, Rajkot, Upleta, Chotila, Dhrangadhra, Limbdi, Wadhwan, and Lakhtar. Farmers facing any registration or procurement issues can contact CCI’s dedicated WhatsApp helpline at +91 7718955728.

As of October 2024, the area under cotton cultivation in the state expanded to 26.8 lakh hectares, representing a growth of 9 lakh hectares over the last two decades. This increase has positioned Gujarat as the second-highest state in the country for cotton cultivation. In terms of production, Gujarat produced 87.95 lakh bales in the 2022-23 season, with an increase to 90.57 lakh bales in 2023-24. This ongoing growth underscores the state’s crucial role in national cotton production.

The state’s cotton productivity has also improved significantly, with a reported yield of 602 kg per hectare in 2023, up from 559 kg per hectare in 2022. This advancement reflects progress in agricultural practices and the use of high-yielding cotton varieties. Gujarat’s influence in India’s cotton industry is substantial, accounting for approximately 27 percent of the country’s total cotton production, making it the largest cotton-producing state in India. The state’s commitment to boosting cotton production is clear from its historical performance; in 2012, Gujarat reached an all-time high production of 12 million tonnes, showcasing the effectiveness of its agricultural strategies.

Business

India May Buy More Oil From Venezuela Instead of Russia

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : The United States has told India that it can soon resume buying oil from Venezuela.The suggestion is part of a U.S. effort to reduce India’s dependence on Russian crude oil.

This pitch comes as India plans to cut Russian oil imports by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the coming months. Under the Trump administration, the United States had imposed a 25 % tariff on countries that bought Venezuelan oil, including India.

Now, the U.S. wants India to resume Venezuelan oil purchases to help diversify India’s energy sources. The United States is also trying to reshape energy ties with India as part of broader diplomatic engagement.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said she agreed with India on energy cooperation in a recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi said both sides agreed to deepen their partnership and expand cooperation in all areas.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Recently, Venezuela opened its oil sector to private investment to attract foreign capital and boost production.

India was one of the major buyers of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022. But India is now seeking alternative suppliers as part of its energy strategy.

Business

Chicken Prices Remain Stable in Local Markets

Published

2 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chicken prices remained stable in local markets today.Traders said there was no major change in rates.Consumers continued to make regular purchases.

Boneless chicken is priced at ₹210 per kilogram.Regular chicken is available at ₹160 per kilogram.Chicken liver is being sold at ₹120 per kilogram.

Country chicken is priced higher due to demand.It is selling at ₹360 per kilogram.Live chicken is available at ₹130 per kilogram.

Skinless chicken is priced at ₹200 per kilogram.Vendors said supply is sufficient in the market.They expect prices to remain steady in the coming days.

Customers expressed satisfaction with the current rates.Market officials said there is no shortage of chicken.

Business

Gold Prices Edge Up in India on January 19, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gold prices in India recorded a slight increase on January 19, 2026, supported by global market trends, local demand, and movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate.

As per market estimates, 24-carat gold, which is considered pure gold, is priced at ₹14,569 per gram, or ₹1,45,690 per 10 grams. 22-carat gold, commonly used for jewellery, is trading at around ₹13,355 per gram, or ₹1,33,550 per 10 grams.

The prices have risen marginally compared to the previous day. The increase is mainly linked to a weaker Indian rupee against the US dollar, which makes imported gold more expensive.

Gold rates vary slightly across cities such as Mangalore and other parts of the country. These differences depend on local taxes, transportation costs, jeweller margins, and regional demand.

Demand for gold remains strong due to the wedding season and festive buying, which continues to support higher prices. Investors also turn to gold during uncertain economic conditions, as it is seen as a safe-haven asset.

Experts say that global geopolitical developments, inflation concerns, and central bank policies are also influencing international gold prices, which in turn affect domestic rates.

Market participants expect gold prices to remain firm in the near term if the rupee stays weak and demand continues at current levels.