Latest news with #BlackBurley
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
State to rollout Coco policy soon
The Andhra Pradesh government will soon introduce a Cocoa Policy aimed at ensuring better returns for farmers. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during a review conducted at the Undavalli camp office on Thursday, emphasised the need to sensitise farmers about maintaining quality and ensure that all agricultural products meet the international standards. Mr. Naidu directed officials to encourage Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to establish processing units. Additionally, he asked them to ensure remunerative prices and timely procurement for crops like cocoa, mango, and tobacco, which are a top priority. Officials informed Mr. Naidu that so far, 465 metric tonnes of cocoa have been procured from farmers, while another 745 metric tonnes remain with farmers. Presently, a minimum remunerative price of ₹500 per kg is fixed, and companies are currently paying ₹450 per kg, while the state government is paying ₹50 per kg as subsidy. Mr. Naidu said: 'The interests of farmers are the top priority for the government. Officials must visit fields regularly to understand ground realities and prevent farmer dissatisfaction. The government has consistently supported farmers in horticulture, aquaculture, and paddy procurement.' The government has directed the Tobacco Board to regulate the acreage for FCV tobacco cultivation in the state. The White Burley variety will be cultivated only under contract, and companies have been mandated to procure it accordingly. For HD Burley (Black Burley), officials are to consult farmers and must encourage cultivation of alternative crops such as pulses and millets in the relevant villages. Companies, like the ITC and GPI have been directed to procure up to 25 million kg of HD Burley tobacco. However, as they are reluctant to purchase second- and third-grade HD Burley, Mr. Naidu asked officials to hold consultations with the companies to resolve the issue. Seven market yards – Parchur, Inkollu, Martur, Pedanandipadu, Prattipadu, Chilakaluripet, and Maddipadu – have been readied for immediate tobacco procurement. Purchases will begin shortly. With regard to the mango crop, officials informed the Chief Minister that around 43,000 metric tonnes of mango pulp are stuck with processing companies as orders from major buyers like Parle Agro, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo have not come, leading to the problem. Mr. Naidu directed the officials to see that traders buy mangoes at ₹12 per kg immediately. If traders pay ₹8, the state government will subsidise ₹4 per kg directly to farmers. He also asked all farmers, traders, and processors to register themselves along with maintaining proper records.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Govt pledges full support for Black Burley tobacco farmers
Parchur: The minister for agriculture, cooperation, and marketing, KinjarapuAtchannaidu, assured comprehensive support to Black Burley tobacco farmers and promised to purchase their entire crop down to the last leaf. Atahcannaidu, energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, and Parchur MLA Yeluri Sambabsiva Rao participated in a face-to-face meeting with the Black Burley tobacco farmers, state-level officers, and representatives of companies at the Parchur MLA's camp office in Isukadarsi on Saturday. Following extensive discussions, the Atchannaidu announced an action plan for Black Burley tobacco procurement. The government has decided to purchase the crop in two grades, common variety at Rs 12,000 per quintal and low-grade variety at Rs 6,000 per quintal. Despite fluctuations in international market prices, companies have been instructed to maintain these fixed rates. The government has guaranteed to bear the processing costs for tobacco procurement and announced that if necessary, MARKFED will initiate Black Burley tobacco purchases. The government established six sub-committees to oversee the procurement process, ensuring that every last leaf of the farmers' produce is purchased. The minister emphasised that the government will work with complete sincerity to rescue farmers from the current crisis. He warned companies against making false promises and demanded clear commitments to benefit farmers. The Minister said that while the target was to cultivate 25 million kilograms of tobacco, farmers have currently grown 75 million kilograms, creating a surplus that has contributed to the crisis due to reduced international demand. Minister Gottipathi Ravi Kumar explained that farmers cultivated Black Burley tobacco with company encouragement, and now the government will ensure purchases until the last leaf. The Minister stressed that suicide should not be an option, and such thoughts should not enter farmers' minds. Special Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Department B Rajasekhar assured that the government will protect farmers in crisis and take measures to ensure companies purchase every last kilogram of tobacco. District collector J Venkata Murali confirmed that the government has made decisions favouring tobacco farmers and will continuously monitor the procurement process and price implementation. Parchuru MLA EluriSambasiva Rao called for government action to support farmers in crisis and explained the policies being implemented. Farmers from various areas, including Inkolu, Duddukuru, J Panguluru, and other mandals, requested the implementation of minimum support prices, citing severe losses from Black Burley tobacco cultivation. Agriculture Commissioner Dilli Rao, Tobacco Board Chairman Yaswant, Warehousing Corporation MD Suresh, Santanuthalapadu MLA BN Vijay Kumar, district agriculture officer Ramakrishna, and representatives from 20 companies, farmer organisation leaders and other stakeholders were present.
