Do not grow Black Burley tobacco for next crop season, govt tells farmers
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Vijayawada: The ongoing crisis in the tobacco auction market has led the state govt to ban the cultivation of black burley tobacco for the next crop season. With traders not offering any solace, the govt swung into action and purchased stocks from growers through the market intervention scheme (MIS).
However, tobacco farmers are said to be unhappy with the slow pace of purchases at the centres set up in agriculture market yards. Taking the surplus stocks situation into account, the govt has decided to ban cultivation for the next season.
Bapatla collector JV Murali asked farmers not to cultivate black burley tobacco next season and switch to other crops. Murali also reviewed the progress of tobacco purchases with officials and asked them to expedite the procurement process.
"We will take action against farmers if they cultivate black burley. We will not hesitate to destroy the crop. The surplus production by farmers led to price drop and crisis in the market.
We urge farmers to cooperate with the govt and cultivate alternative crops instead of black burley," said Murali, adding that farmers are free to sell existing stocks to private companies.
To protect stocks from the rains, the govt asked farmers not to bring tobacco bales with more than 20% moisture to purchase centres.
The govt has so far procured around 2,842 metric tonnes of tobacco against the target of 14,800 metric tonnes. Over 13,000 farmers from 105 villages in Bapatla district are still waiting to dispose of their stocks.
The govt also constituted village level committees to oversee the ongoing purchase of tobacco at market yards. Senior officials, including joint collectors and RDOs, have been directed to closely monitor the purchases. However, farmers are worried that it may take two-three months to dispose of the entire stock if the slow pace of purchases continues. They are also worried that tobacco leaves may get damaged in the next two months.
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