Andhra Pradesh Minister Atchannaidu directed officials to immediately begin Virginia tobacco auctions across all auction platforms and instructed every registered company to participate in the procurement process. During a teleconference held on Friday, he emphasized reducing tobacco rejection rates and warned that the government would not tolerate any attempts by companies to form syndicates to suppress prices for high-quality tobacco.
The minister instructed the Tobacco Board to closely monitor the auction process and take strict action against any companies found engaging in collusion or failing to participate in the auctions. He also directed that companies purchase tobacco across all quality grades to ensure farmers receive fair opportunities to sell their produce. Ministers and MLAs have also been asked to inspect auction platforms and report any irregularities.
Atchannaidu advised farmers to bring their tobacco to auction platforms according to Tobacco Board guidelines to secure better prices and reduce rejection rates. He said the government was also exploring loan facilities for farmers who wished to store their tobacco after consultations with the Tobacco Board and banks. Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests, he made it clear that no irregularities in tobacco procurement would be tolerated.
