Govt Assures Full Support to Procure Black Burley Tobacco Through MARKFED: SCS Budithi Rajasekhar

Government Urged to Procure Black Burley Tobacco Through MARKFED
Farmers Meet Special Chief Secretary Budithi Rajasekhar IAS; Government Assures Full Support :

Bapatla District, Parchur Mandal, Upputur Village— A high-level field visit led by Parchur MLA Eluri Sambasiva Rao brought to light the challenges faced by Black Burley tobacco farmers. During the inspection, the MLA briefed senior officials including Special Chief Secretary for Agriculture & Cooperation, Budithi Rajasekhar IAS, on the harvesting, curing, storage, and barn construction methods along with the associated costs and timelines.

Following the field inspection, a farmers’ meeting was convened at the local high school, where hundreds of tobacco farmers, farmer leaders, traders, and procurement agents participated. A special session was held to gather first-hand information on the issues in the procurement process.

During the session, farmers expressed serious concerns that traders and exporters are unwilling to purchase tobacco due to current unfavorable international market conditions. This has left farmers with unsold stock and growing uncertainty. Farmers strongly urged the government to intervene immediately and initiate procurement through MARKFED to safeguard their livelihoods.

Immediate Government Response

In response, Mr. Rajasekhar IAS assured the farmers that a high-level meeting with tobacco traders will be held at the Secretariat in Velagapudi on tomarrow to accelerate the procurement process. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that 100% of the tobacco stock held by farmers will be purchased, and necessary arrangements are being made. He urged farmers not to panic, assuring them of complete support.

Control Room Established for Farmer Assistance

Agriculture Director Dilli Rao IAS highlighted that, due to procurement delays, low quantities being purchased, and poor price realization, the Hon’ble Chief Minister has instructed the relevant departments to take immediate corrective action. As part of these efforts, Agriculture Minister Shri Kinjarapu Atchannaidu conducted a review meeting with tobacco companies on April 29, 2025.

In line with the decisions taken, a dedicated Control Room has been established at the Tobacco Board Office in Guntur (Phone: 0863-2358531). Farmers are encouraged to report issues related to tobacco sales. The control room will operate five days a week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Statewide Black Burley Production Snapshot

Black Burley tobacco is cultivated across approximately 60,000 acres in Andhra Pradesh, with an estimated production of 65 million kilograms. In the past five days, around 232,756 kilograms of tobacco have been procured by various companies.

The event witnessed participation from key officials including Tobacco Board Manager RamAnjaneyulu, Agriculture Deputy Director Balu Naik, DAO Ramakrishna and local revenue and agriculture staff, along with a large gathering of farmers.