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New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Burley tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh seek policy solution
GUNTUR: Following a record-high production season, Burley tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh are facing a sharp price crash and mounting uncertainty. While a partial relief effort is underway through government procurement, growers are intensifying calls for long-term regulatory reforms, including bringing Burley tobacco under the purview of the Tobacco Board. In the 2025 season, Burley tobacco was cultivated across four major districts — Bapatla, Guntur, Palnadu, and Prakasam — covering a total of 90,964 acres, and yielding approximately 102.48 million kg. Bapatla led the production with 13,451 farmers cultivating it in 66,814 acres, and producing 75.96 million kg. Guntur followed with 3,731 farmers cultivating it in 14,094 acres, and generating 15.45 million kg. Palnadu contributed 8.75 million kg from 7,876 acres cultivated by 2,264 farmers, while Prakasam had the lowest output of 2.32 million kg from 2,180 acres and 530 farmers. To address the crisis caused by trader inaction, the State government, through APMARKFED, launched a direct procurement programme — a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. The government allocated nearly Rs 300 crore to procure 20 million kg of Burley tobacco. The procurement began on June 10 across 11 centres. By July 5, 2,088 metric tonnes valued at Rs 17.2 crore had been procured from over 700 farmers. Despite this, farmer leaders say the pace is inadequate. Dr Kolla Rajamohan of the Nallamada Rythu Sangham highlighted the risk of quality degradation and income loss due to delays. He urged for quicker payments, more procurement centres at mandal-level, and permission for cross-district sales. He also called for relaxed moisture content norms and timely slot allocation updates via SMS or WhatsApp.
New Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Farmers urge Andhra government to speed up tobacco procurement
GUNTUR: Nallamada Rythu Sangham leader Dr Kolla Rajamohan flagged delays and operational inefficiencies at the MARKFED tobacco procurement centre in Parchur Market Yard during inspection on Thursday. Pointing out that the pace of operations remains sluggish, he said, 'There is still a large quantity of unsold tobacco with farmers. If this continues, it will take another two to three months to complete the season. Tobacco loses weight and quality over time, causing severe losses to farmers already burdened by debts and interest.' Rajamohan urged authorities to allow more farmers to bring their tobacco for sale and inform them in advance via WhatsApp about their allotted slot. He noted that one buyer could manage to purchase only 300 bales in a day and called for faster procurement. Demanding a revision in the moisture standards, citing that too many bales are being rejected over a minor percentage, he proposed setting up more procurement centres in mandal headquarters, specifically at Pedanandipadu and Inkollu. 'Villages near Parchur but falling under neighbouring districts should not be forced to go to Guntur. With computerised verification, farmers should be allowed to sell at the nearest centre,' he suggested. In cases where godowns are unavailable, he recommended establishing temporary purchase points and transporting the procured tobacco to nearby storage facilities. 'Even if it slightly increases transportation costs, it ensures faster procurement,' he said. He urged authorities to ensure prompt payments to farmers after purchase, stating that delays in disbursing payments exacerbate their hardship.
