Congress Leader Seeks ₹300 Minimum Price for Tobacco Farmers Amid Auction Concerns

Congress leader calls for a minimum of ₹300 per kg of tobacco

Congress leader M. Lakshmana has urged that tobacco farmers receive a minimum price of ₹300 per kg amid concerns over declining prices at auction platforms in the State.

He made the demand after visiting the tobacco auction platform at Kaggundi village in Periyapatna taluk on Tuesday, where he interacted with farmers and Tobacco Board officials about the prices being offered.

Auctions for the current season commenced on October 23, according to the details provided.

Farmers raise concerns over auction prices

Lakshmana is a Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) spokesperson and had unsuccessfully contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from the Mysuru-Kodagu constituency.

The Mysuru region cultivates superior-grade Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, which is exported to different parts of the world.

Lakshmana alleged that tobacco-buying companies had formed a cartel and said the Union government appeared to be acting under the influence of dominant companies.

He also said the Tobacco Board, which oversees the auctions, functions under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Lakshmana alleged that farmers in the region were severely exploited despite several agitations by farmers and himself during the 2025-26 season.

Tobacco does not fall under the direct purview of the State government, he said.

However, three letters were written to Union Minister Piyush Goyal by the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after initiatives taken by Periyapatna MLA K. Venkatesh, former Hunsur MLA H.P. Manjunath and Lakshmana.

Congress seeks meeting with companies

Lakshmana said meetings had also been convened by the Deputy Commissioner, while companies were warned against unfair trade practices.

The Congress has now decided to urge Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to convene a meeting involving Tobacco Board officials and representatives of tobacco companies participating in the auctions.

Lakshmana has also proposed a meeting with Mysuru district in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

He said the meeting should issue appropriate directions and warn companies against any “unfair practices”.

The demand comes as officials have indicated that around 90 million kg of tobacco is expected to be harvested this year, according to Lakshmana.

The proposed discussions would involve the Tobacco Board and the companies taking part in the auction process, with the immediate issue being the prices received by farmers.

The Tobacco Board’s role in overseeing the auctions and its position under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry form part of the concerns raised by Lakshmana over the current pricing process.

Source: The Hindu