Khammam: Facing losses of Rs 4,000 crore, say subabul farmers

Khammam: Eucalyptus and subabul Rythula Parirakshna Samithi have condemned the statement of ITC chief operating officer V. Kulakarni that the company has been working for the welfare of eucalyptus and subabul farmers.

Samithi president V. Srinivas said, “The ground reality is that farmers from Khammam and Bhadradri districts have faced losses of Rs 4,000 crore”.

Mr Kulakarni in a statement on Wednesday had said, “The company procured nearly 75 per cent of the 15,175 MT of wood from farmers of Khammam in February, 2019 alone. ITC has also communicated to the farmers that those who are not able to arrange for harvesting and transportation can use ITC nominated suppliers to sell their produce,” he said

“The company is saying that the demand of wood has come down due to closure of some industries. But, ITC encouraged farmers to raise subabul by supplying saplings. Why has the company promoted the crop despite there being a reduction in demand?”, Mr Srinivas questioned. He said that farmers raised the trees believing the assurances of the company officials. Now, the company is issuing permit orders in a slow manner resulting in problems for farmers.