A political controversy has erupted in Gujarat over the government’s newly announced Cotton Revolution Mission. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Gujarat Kisan Morcha President Praveen Ram has criticized the scheme, alleging that it is not designed for farmers’ welfare but to benefit political leaders and their supporters.
Reacting to the announcement of ₹134 crore allocation under the Cotton Revolution Mission, Praveen Ram claimed that the scheme’s timing raises serious questions as cotton sowing has already been completed in most parts of the state.
AAP Questions Timing of Cotton Scheme
Praveen Ram said the government has introduced the scheme after farmers have already completed their cotton sowing due to favorable rainfall conditions. He questioned the purpose of announcing financial assistance after the sowing process is over.
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Under the scheme, farmers maintaining a specific distance between cotton plants will receive financial support. Farmers following a spacing pattern of 90 × 30 cm will reportedly receive ₹14,000 per hectare, while those following 90 × 60 cm spacing will get ₹7,500 per hectare, subject to a maximum limit of two hectares.
The AAP leader alleged that because most farmers have already completed sowing according to traditional methods, the benefits of the Cotton Revolution Mission may not reach genuine farmers.
Praveen Ram Raises Concerns Over ₹134 Crore Allocation
Praveen Ram accused the BJP government of creating a situation where fake applications and documents could be used to misuse the allocated funds.
He claimed that while government records may show financial assistance being provided to farmers, the actual benefits may not reach those who need them.
The AAP leader also questioned the government’s claims that the initiative would increase cotton production, reduce imports, and improve farmers’ income.
ખેડૂતોના સમર્થનમાં આવનાર મંત્રીના ભાઈની ફેક્ટરી પર રેડ પડી છે જેનાથી સાબિત થાય છે કે ભાજપ ખેડૂતો માટે નહીં પણ કંપનીઓ માટે કામ કરે છે.
શું ભાજપ એવો સંદેશ આપવા માંગે છે કે ખેડૂતોના સમર્થનમાં જે પણ આવશે એના ભાજપ આવા જ હાલ કરશે.@isudan_gadhvi pic.twitter.com/Ip09AXIxVq
— AAP Gujarat (@AAPGujarat) July 13, 2026
AAP Demands Higher Import Duty on Foreign Cotton
Praveen Ram said that instead of focusing only on increasing production, the government should work on ensuring better prices for farmers.
He argued that farmers are already struggling with low cotton prices and debt, and increasing production alone would not solve their problems.
According to him, if the government wants to support cotton growers, it should increase import duties on cotton coming from countries like the United States. He claimed that higher import costs would help domestic farmers get better prices for their produce.
BJP Government Faces Political Attack Over Cotton Policy
The controversy over the Cotton Revolution Mission has intensified the political debate between the BJP and AAP in Gujarat.
Praveen Ram accused the government of using farmers’ concerns for political gains and said that farmers would not accept policies that fail to provide real benefits.
He demanded that the government focus on fair crop prices, farmer welfare, and transparent implementation of schemes instead of announcing initiatives after key agricultural activities are completed.
The BJP government has not yet issued a detailed response to the allegations made by the AAP leader.