Tobacco Procured Every May: Minister

Kurnool: Minister of roads and buildings B.C. Janardhan Reddy has assured the tobacco farmers that the government stands firmly with them and there was no cause for concern. He stated that tobacco procurement takes place every May and reaffirmed that the government would take full responsibility for purchasing the crop.

The minister explained that if all tobacco farmers try to sell their produce at once, it will put pressure on traders, who may struggle to buy all the tobacco. Accordingly, instructions have been given to agriculture department officials to manage the procurement process efficiently.

He added that agriculture officials have consulted tobacco traders, who have responded positively and committed to purchasing tobacco. The minister noted that traders prefer quality tobacco and will face difficulties if farmers bring low-quality stock. Therefore, farmers are encouraged to sell only good quality tobacco, which the traders will certainly buy.

Janardhan Reddy assured farmers that he government would buy all the tobacco brought by the farmers even if the purchase process takes up to 10 days. He also informed that 25,000 metric tonnes of jowar was purchased so far in Nandyal district, with an additional 5,000 metric tonnes expected to be bought soon.