BATHINDA, Nov. 1 -- The maiden digital initiative of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to buy cotton on the MSP from the farmers registered on the 'Kapas Kisan' mobile app has evoked a lukewarm response from the growers in Punjab.

According to the government data, of the estimated 50,000 cotton growers across the state, less than 8% (3,700) have enrolled in the new system till October 31.

Officials attribute low enrolment to digital registration hesitancy among farmers, farm gate purchase by private players, and engagement of farmers in the ongoing paddy harvest phase.

CCI general manager Manoj Bajaj said on Friday that for the convenience of cotton growers, the registration date has been extended by two months, and farmers can now...