×
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Tobacco growers favour e-auction

Last Updated 07 August 2010, 18:13 IST

Addressing a news conference here,  Federation President B V Javaregowda said though the Board launched e-auction on a pilot basis in one platform each in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it has been shelved.

The authorities lack any interest to implement this from next month. A delegation of Virginia Tobacco growers led by MPs of this region and Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa met Union Commerce minster and communicated to him regarding benefits of the e-auction system. It brings total transperancy in the market, he said.

The delegation also appealed to the Government to revoke the order on 15 per cent penalty and a fine of Rs two per kg of tobacco. The tobacco grown in Hunsur and Periyapatna are  in demand in the western and European countries. It is a big source of foreign exchange too.

However, the Central Tobacco Research Institute(CTRI) established in Hunsur has closed its Research and Development facility.

 The full-fledged research station at Sollepura which  was mainly catering to producing seed for tobacco farmers is now defunct. The farmers now have to depend on outsourced seed for producing 2011 crop which a risky proposition. Also, there is a lack of interest among scientists to work for the welfare of Karnataka’s tobacco growers. The growers have not been able to realise benefits of contemporary varieties in tobacco cultivation which farmers in other Indian growth zones are getting. Moreover, the scientists are recommending indiscriminate use of pesticides in collusion with pesticide dealers. The farmers who spray high doses has resulted in low quality tobacco, affecting its export potential, he said.  Federation Secretary Vikram Raje Urs was present.

ADVERTISEMENT
(Published 07 August 2010, 18:13 IST)

Follow us on

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT