Demand disaster hits tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh

Over the past three to four years, the average price of Virginia tobacco is Rs 230 to 350 per kilogram. But now, it’s 240 rupees per kilogram, which is non-release. File | Image source: Kommuri Srinivas

As countries such as Brazil and Zimbabwe produce higher production, the international market demand for local tobacco has declined to some extent. Of India’s 80 million kilograms production and other countries’ 400 million kilograms, the global market is cheaper.

Yashwanth Kumar Chidipothu, chairman, said that while the tobacco committee approved the cultivation of 167 million kilograms in Andhra Pradesh, farmers produced more than 240 million kilograms this year.

However, he expects price corrections to be made at the end of this month and offers procurement to farmers.

B. Vishwasree, executive director of the Tobacco Board, said that 35 million kg had been purchased with AP, “the selling price is currently Rs 262 per kg, while Rs 231 per kg in the corresponding season of the previous year. We often negotiate with representatives of the procurement company.”

Farmer crying

However, local farmers said the tobacco commission held auctions in October in Mysoru and other areas of Karnataka last October, but because the companies had already purchased the required quantity in neighboring states, they rejected the produce with “low quality”.

“The average per-kg price of Virginia tobacco has been ₹230 to ₹350 during the last three to four years. But now, it stands at ₹240 per KG, which is non-remunerative. When compared to the previous year, the labour charges, lease costs and other expenses have increased this year,” Vaddella Prasad, president of a tobacco farmers’ union in Ongole, told Hindu.

“Most farmers who produce Burley tobacco face more problems. This variety has higher yields but is of lower quality and does not require growth by the board’s permission. Again, there are two varieties in these two varieties. The price of white Burley tobacco stands is Rs 120 to 150 per KG, while the variety of this variety is as low as 150 rupees per KG, while the variety of this variety is as low as 100%

At a recent review meeting, Energy Minister G. Ravi Kumar and Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy advised buyers to support farmers facing difficulties due to lack of proper demand and remuneration prices.

Prakasam regional collector A. Thameem Ansaria also directed officials to ensure farmers are paid for their produce.