Prakasam Collector arranges tobacco purchase, warns companies against ‘no offers’

Farmers and leaders of various political parties under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha staged a protest on Saturday by blocking the main entrance of Ongola Collectorate. | Photo credit: Kommuri Srinivas

Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) demanded that the government ensure purchase of tobacco at a remunerative price and blocked the main entrance of the collectorate in Ongola on Saturday. The protest came as the relay hunger strike initiated by SKM entered its third day.

Later, District Collector P. Raja Babu held discussions with the agitating farmers and assured them that every bale of tobacco brought to the auction platforms would be purchased. Subsequently, he inspected the tobacco auction centers Ongole-1 and Ongole-2 and directed officials to implement the chief minister’s directions to maintain the average auction price at least ₹200 per kg.

The collector advised the farmers to bring different types of tobacco to the auction platforms instead of offering only one type. He also ordered tobacco companies to inform farmers in advance of the grade they intend to buy. Warning against the practice of “no bid”, he said strict action would be taken against companies that deliberately refuse to buy tobacco.

Expressing displeasure at the continued attitude of the companies despite a special meeting called by the Chief Minister on procurement procedures, Mr. Raja Babu said the authorities would not tolerate arbitrary rejection of farmers’ produce. He added that the state government and the Tobacco Board had stepped in to protect the interests of growers.

The Collector said that while the Tobacco Board has permitted the production of 140 million kg of tobacco, farmers in the region have produced around 230 million kg this season. According to him, tobacco companies cited excessive production as a reason for reducing purchases. However, he pointed out that only those companies that actively participated in public contracts this season will be able to participate in next year’s auctions.

Mr. Raja Babu said farmers would be instructed to restrict production to 80 million kg next season and not exceed the prescribed limit. At the same time, he warned that companies will not be able to buy tobacco only in years when production is low and market demand is high. He called on companies to come forward and procure farmers’ produce in a fair and responsible manner.

Published – 27 Jun 2026 20:40 IST