The government has increased the minimum support price of cotton by Rs 600 to Rs 800 a quintal depending on the staple length of the produce for the 2012-13 season.

The MSP prices were revised for medium staple cotton from Rs 2800 to 3600 Rs per quintal and for long staple cotton from Rs 3300 to Rs 3900 per quintal for cotton season 2012-13.

Currently, the MSP of cotton is between Rs 2800-3,300 per quintal depending on staple length.

Textiles minister Anand Sharma held a review meeting for early commencement of MSP operations to stabilize cotton prices which have witnessed a sharp decline and are operating around MSP levels.

In the wake of falling domestic prices, the government on Friday said it will procure 90 lakh bales of cotton in 2012-13 the season to protect the interests of growers.