Prithviraj Chavan discusses cotton price issue with ministers

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today held discussions with senior bureaucrats and Ministers on the demand for increasing minimum support price (MSP) for cotton.

Even though the ruling Congress has not specified the quantum of increase if wants, the Opposition Shiv Sena and BJP are demanding MSP of Rs6,000 per quintal instead of the present Rs3,300.

Shiv Sena resorted to violent protests to highlight its demand in the cotton growing belt of Vidarbha, Marathwada and North Maharashtra.

Chavan discussed the overall situation in the cotton market and how farmers can be provided relief. Sources said an all-party meeting may be convened soon on the issue.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Agriculture and Marketing Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, Cooperation Minister Harshvardhan Patil and Minister of State for Finance Rajendra Mulak were present at the meeting.

Chavan is expected to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after November 20 to discuss the cotton MSP issue, the sources added.