Hyderabad: Minister for Agriculture, Marketing, Handlooms and Textiles Tummala Nageswara Rao has directed officials to open cotton procurement centres for the 2026-27 kharif marketing season on the lines of the previous year and ensure that farmers receive the minimum support price (MSP) for their produce. During a review meeting with Marketing department officials at the Secretariat on Thursday, the Minister reviewed cotton cultivation and production estimates, prevailing market prices, procurement arrangements by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and facilities being provided to farmers. Tummala Nageswara Rao said ensuring remunerative prices for cotton farmers, avoiding delays in procurement and taking timely measures in line with prevailing market conditions were among the government’s priorities. Officials informed the Minister that cotton had been cultivated on 48.20 lakh acres across Telangana during the current kharif season, with production estimated at 29.43 lakh metric tonnes. In the previous season, cotton was cultivated on 50.73 lakh acres, yielding 28.33 lakh metric tonnes. Expressing concern over the possibility of a decline in cotton production due to adverse weather conditions, including the impact of El Niño across the country, the Minister stressed the need for efficient management of the procurement process in the State.

AP CS tenure extended by 6 months

Amaravati: The tenure of Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad, a 1991 batch IAS officer, has been extended for another six months. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has issued orders to this effect. On a request by the State Government, the Centre allowed the extended tenure till May 31, 2027. Earlier, his tenure after reaching the age of superannuation, was extended from June 1 to November 30. His extension was due for completion on November 30.