JOIN USTobacco growers demand increase in crop volume
Federation of Karnataka Virginia Tobacco Growers’ Association has termed the decision of the Tobacco Board to reduce crop volume for the state to 97.5 million kgs as against the indent given by trade for 106.7 million kgs as unreasonable and illogical.
At a meeting held here to discuss issues faced by tobacco growers, the federation has sought an answer from the board as to why the authorised crop was reduced in the state, while 162 million kgs was approved for Andhra Pradesh as against trade indent of 142 million kgs.
The growers said the crop size had been reduced from 101.6 million kgs to 97.5 million kgs, which was against the interest of farmers.
While MP Adagur H Vishwanath listened to the grievances, the growers said even though countries such as China, Brazil were also signatories of FCTC, they continued to increase production of tobacco.
Even though farmers are not against growing other alternate crops, recent loss to farmers who have grown turmeric and ginger has led to ryots continuing with tobacco.
Tobacco has led to a turnover of Rs 1,100 crore in the state.
With more than 57,000 authorised and 30,000 unauthorised farmers growing tobacco, growers said the move to reduce crop size would hurt all these families.
Growers also complained that rate for tobacco has been reduced during the previous years causing difficulty for farmers.
They said despite demand from traders and state producing the finest quality of tobacco, farmers were not reaping the profits due to the apathy of Tobacco Board officials.
Growers also demanded that the Tobacco Board take measures to fight tobacco being sold in the black market.
Meeting on April 22
Responding to the problems faced by farmers, Vishwanath said a meeting has been convened on April 22 to discuss the issues. The chairman of the board and elected representatives from the region would participate in the meeting.