Centre, AP discuss long-term measures for tobacco farmers

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government have initiated discussions on a comprehensive strategy to address the recurring challenges faced by tobacco farmers, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu calling for a permanent solution that safeguards growers’ interests while ensuring market stability. Senior officials from the Union Ministry of Commerce, including Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav and Director Mounika Gaur, met the Chief Minister ahead of his Kurnool visit to deliberate on measures to support tobacco farmers.

Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, state ministers Gottipati Ravi Kumar and DBV Swamy, senior officials from the Agriculture Department, MARKFED and representatives of the Tobacco Board also attended the meeting. Officials discussed three proposals aimed at providing immediate relief to farmers, including interest-free working capital loans, financial incentives and a price deficiency compensation mechanism. CM Naidu directed officials to prepare a comprehensive policy incorporating short-, medium- and long-term strategies. He also suggested examining options for storing tobacco for one or two years to enable farmers to sell their produce when market prices improve.