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India Gazette
16-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Piyush Goyal offers prayers at Tirumala temple
Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh) [India], June 16 (ANI): Union Minister Piyush Goyal, accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Ministers Anagani Satya Prasad and TG Bharat, visited the sacred hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala and offered prayers on Monday. The visit came days after Goyal marked his birthday on June 13. The Minister expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to seek blessings from Lord Balaji. 'It is my great fortune that on my birthday today, I got an opportunity to offer prayers before Lord Balaji. I come here each year to pray to Tirupati Balaji and take his blessings to work for the country. I seek his blessings for a good future for every citizen of India,' Goyal said after the darshan. Meanwhile, on Sunday, Goyal also met with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to discuss issues affecting farmers in the state, particularly those cultivating commercial crops and involved in the aqua sector. The Union Minister was on an official visit to the state. Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was a key ally in the NDA government at the Centre. The meeting covered key issues, including HD Burley tobacco procurement, import duties on crude palm oil, tariffs imposed by the United States on aqua exports, and GST on mango pulp, according to a statement by Andhra Pradesh's Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). CM Naidu explained the on-ground realities and hardships faced by farmers in the state and highlighted the steps that the state government was taking. He appealed for central support to address these challenges. The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that farmers cultivating HD Burley and White Burley tobacco had been facing severe price drops this season. To address this, the state government had already initiated procurement efforts. CM Naidu stated that a plan had been put in place to procure 20 million kilograms of tobacco at a cost of Rs 300 crore. Seven procurement centres had been established in Bapatla, Guntur, Palnadu, and Prakasam districts through the AP MARKFED. The Chief Minister requested Rs 150 crore from the Tobacco Board to support the initiative. He also noted that the area under tobacco cultivation had increased to 1.31 lakh hectares this year compared to the previous season. With international demand declining, farmers are reportedly incurring significant losses. CM Naidu urged the Centre to amend the law to bring tobacco production and marketing entirely under the purview of the Tobacco Board. (ANI)
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Naidu seeks Centre's help in tobacco procurement, easing U.S. tariff on aqua exports
: In a significant meeting aimed at addressing the concerns of Andhra Pradesh's farmers and exporters, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held detailed discussions with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in Amaravati on Sunday. Mr. Goyal, who arrived to participate in a Tobacco Board meeting in Guntur, called on Mr. Naidu at this camp office. Mr. Naidu raised several critical issues affecting the State's agricultural and aquaculture sectors. These included the procurement of HD Burley tobacco, the impact of reduced import duties on crude palm oil, GST on mango pulp, and steep tariffs imposed by the United States on aqua exports. Stating that farmers cultivating HD Burley and White Burley tobacco were suffering due to falling prices this season, Mr. Naidu said the State government had already begun the procurement process and decided to purchase 20 million kg of tobacco at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore. Seven procurement centres had been set up through AP Markfed across Bapatla, Guntur, Palnadu, and Prakasam districts. He requested the Union Minister to see that the Tobacco Board bears ₹150 crore of this expenditure. This year, 1.31 lakh hectares had been cultivated with tobacco, which was higher than the previous year. The international market demand has dropped, leading to price crashes that are impacting farmers, he said. Mr. Naidu also urged the Union Minister to consider legislative amendments to bring tobacco production and marketing fully under the control of the Tobacco Board, ensuring better price stabilisation and farmer protection. Expressing concern over the reduced import duty on crude palm oil, the Chief Minister highlighted that lowering the duty to 10% is adversely impacting domestic farmers by suppressing prices. He urged the Centre to revert to the previous policy framework and warned that the current move could undermine the objectives of the National Mission on Edible Oils. Mr. Naidu also brought up the 27% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian seafood exports, which is affecting nearly 8 lakh aqua farmers in Andhra Pradesh. He appealed to the Union Minister to initiate diplomatic talks with the U.S. to ease the tariff burden and protect the livelihoods of those dependent on aquaculture. 'These steep tariffs have thrown hatcheries, feed mills, processing units, and exporters into crisis,' he said. GST on mango pulp Seeking relief for mango farmers and the food processing industry, the Chief Minister requested a reduction in GST on mango pulp from 12% to 5%. He pointed out that mango leather (Aam Papad) already attracts a 5% GST and advocated for parity in treatment to benefit both farmers and pulp manufacturers. Mr. Naidu said that he had already raised this issue with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Mr. Piyush Goyal responded positively to the Chief Minister's requests and assured that the Centre would actively consider measures to support farmers and exporters from Andhra Pradesh.
New Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra Pradesh: CM vows to support tobacco and horticulture farmers
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday held a review meeting at his Undavalli camp office to address procurement and pricing concerns for cocoa, mango, and tobacco crops, reaffirming his government's commitment to supporting farmers. Naidu stressed a farmer-centric approach, directing officials to conduct field visits, anticipate challenges, and ensure global standards in agricultural production. He announced a dedicated cocoa policy to promote high-quality output and enhance farmer awareness. Support for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and MSMEs to strengthen agro-processing was also emphasised. Regarding tobacco, Naidu said the Tobacco Board will regulate Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) acreage, while White Burley tobacco will be cultivated under contract, with procurement handled by companies. To address issues in HD Burley cultivation, he urged officials to promote crop diversification toward pulses and millets. Seven market yards in Parchuru, Inkollu, Marturu, Pedanandipadu, Prattipadu, Chilakaluripeta, and Maddipadu are ready for procurement, targeting 25 million kg to be procured by ITC and GPI. The mango sector is grappling with 43,000 metric tonnes of unsold pulp, as companies like Parle Agro, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo have reduced demand. Naidu appealed to traders to purchase mangoes at `12 per kg, with the government providing `4 compensation if they pay only `8. He mandated registration of farmers, traders, and processors for better coordination. For cocoa, 465 metric tonnes have been procured, with 745 tonnes still available. To ensure a minimum support price of `500 per kg, the government will offer a `50 subsidy above the `450 offered by companies. He directed the expansion of Rythu Bazaars from 116 to 200, the use of mobile markets, and the development of a farmer database linked to PM Kisan.
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
State to rollout Coco policy soon
The Andhra Pradesh government will soon introduce a Cocoa Policy aimed at ensuring better returns for farmers. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during a review conducted at the Undavalli camp office on Thursday, emphasised the need to sensitise farmers about maintaining quality and ensure that all agricultural products meet the international standards. Mr. Naidu directed officials to encourage Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to establish processing units. Additionally, he asked them to ensure remunerative prices and timely procurement for crops like cocoa, mango, and tobacco, which are a top priority. Officials informed Mr. Naidu that so far, 465 metric tonnes of cocoa have been procured from farmers, while another 745 metric tonnes remain with farmers. Presently, a minimum remunerative price of ₹500 per kg is fixed, and companies are currently paying ₹450 per kg, while the state government is paying ₹50 per kg as subsidy. Mr. Naidu said: 'The interests of farmers are the top priority for the government. Officials must visit fields regularly to understand ground realities and prevent farmer dissatisfaction. The government has consistently supported farmers in horticulture, aquaculture, and paddy procurement.' The government has directed the Tobacco Board to regulate the acreage for FCV tobacco cultivation in the state. The White Burley variety will be cultivated only under contract, and companies have been mandated to procure it accordingly. For HD Burley (Black Burley), officials are to consult farmers and must encourage cultivation of alternative crops such as pulses and millets in the relevant villages. Companies, like the ITC and GPI have been directed to procure up to 25 million kg of HD Burley tobacco. However, as they are reluctant to purchase second- and third-grade HD Burley, Mr. Naidu asked officials to hold consultations with the companies to resolve the issue. Seven market yards – Parchur, Inkollu, Martur, Pedanandipadu, Prattipadu, Chilakaluripet, and Maddipadu – have been readied for immediate tobacco procurement. Purchases will begin shortly. With regard to the mango crop, officials informed the Chief Minister that around 43,000 metric tonnes of mango pulp are stuck with processing companies as orders from major buyers like Parle Agro, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo have not come, leading to the problem. Mr. Naidu directed the officials to see that traders buy mangoes at ₹12 per kg immediately. If traders pay ₹8, the state government will subsidise ₹4 per kg directly to farmers. He also asked all farmers, traders, and processors to register themselves along with maintaining proper records.
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Crop planning should align with mkt demand: CM
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday directed the officials of the Agriculture department to go for crop-specific planning aligned with national and global market trends. Naidu emphasised the need to inform farmers in advance about suitable crops based on market dynamics to ensure a balance between supply and demand and prevent losses. "Farmers must cultivate only high-demand crops to avoid losses," said Naidu. He instructed the officials to adopt scientific planning and monitor global agricultural developments regularly. During an official review on key crops such as tobacco, cocoa, mango, and paddy, he discussed immediate and long-term farmers' issues. He stated that both short-term and long-term challenges in agriculture must be addressed through the Cabinet Sub-Committee. The CM instructed officials that cocoa stocks with farmers should be purchased at Rs 500 per kg, and if the companies fail to do that, he said the government should step in for direct procurement. He also ordered accurate registration of HD Burley tobacco stocks through an app and approved a crop holiday for that variety due to lack of market demand. He is pursuing the inclusion of HD and White Burley varieties under the Tobacco Board and will discuss farmer concerns with union ministers. The Chief Minister also reviewed challenges faced by tomato farmers and instructed officials to encourage more tomato processing units in the state to ensure fair prices. On paddy, officials informed him that procurement is progressing smoothly, with even rain-damaged stock being purchased. To boost mango pulp consumption, he suggested a Goods and Service Tax (GST) reduction on pure juices and proposed its use in mid-day meals and Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple offerings to increase demand. This initiative is aimed at boosting mango juice consumption and alleviating the financial strain on mango farmers, who are currently grappling with declining prices. It has been observed that a lack of orders has led to a slowdown in mango procurement, causing considerable distress among mango growers. Naidu directed officials to ensure that pulp processing companies immediately resume procurement. However, officials highlighted that existing stockpiles and a shortage of bank loans for pulp companies are limiting their capacity to purchase fresh stock. To address this, the CM instructed officials to facilitate bank loans for these processing units. Ministers Ayyanna Patrudu, Nadendla Manohar, Gottipati Ravikumar, Nimmala Ramanaidu, and Payyavula Keshav participated in the review meeting.
