Andhra Pradesh Government Promises Fair Prices for Tobacco Farmers

Govt. Will Ensure Remunerative Prices for Tobacco Farmers in A.P., Says Minister

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar has assured that the government is implementing comprehensive measures to secure fair prices for tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh and protect their interests. Speaking to the media after a review meeting with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the challenges faced by tobacco growers, the Minister stated that officials have been directed to ensure transparency in the procurement process and eliminate any practices detrimental to farmers.

To safeguard the interests of cultivators, all tobacco purchases will be conducted exclusively through auction platforms operated by the Tobacco Board, leaving no room for unauthorised transactions. The government will closely monitor the procurement process to guarantee that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. Minister Ravi Kumar emphasised that an increase in production should not be exploited as a pretext to lower prices or disadvantage growers.

Addressing a key concern of farmers, the Minister highlighted that the rejection of tobacco at procurement centres has caused financial distress for cultivators. To mitigate this issue, Chief Minister Naidu has advised companies to procure tobacco at a minimum price of ₹200 per kilogram, ensuring that farmers are not forced into distress sales.

Ravi Kumar also noted that the higher prices achieved in the previous season had encouraged farmers to expand cultivation this year. He urged companies not to use factors such as increased taxes on cigarettes and related products as reasons to reject tobacco or restrict purchases.