The Congress leader is demanding a minimum of ₹300 per kg of tobacco

Congress leader M. Lakshmana at the tobacco auction platform at Kaggundi village in Periyapatna taluk on Tuesday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Congress president M Lakshmana has demanded a minimum price of ₹300 per kg of tobacco amid concerns among farmers over falling prices on auction platforms in the state.

Mr. Lakshmana, spokesperson of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), who unsuccessfully contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Mysuru-Kodagu constituency, visited the tobacco auction platform at Kaggundi village in Periyapatna taluk on Tuesday and interacted with farmers and officials of the Tobacco Board to inquire about tobacco prices.

Auctions for the current season started on October 23. The Mysuru region grows Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco of the highest quality, which is exported to various parts of the world.

He alleged that the tobacco buying companies had formed a cartel and that the Union government appeared to be acting under the influence of the dominant companies. The Tobacco Board, which oversees tobacco auctions, functions under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, he said.

Despite several agitations by farmers and himself during the 2025-26 season, farmers in the region were heavily exploited, Mr. Lakshmana alleged.

Although tobacco does not come under the direct purview of the state government, then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote three letters to Union Minister Piyush Goyal following initiatives taken by Periyapatna MLA K. Venkatesh, former Hunsur MLA HP Manjunath and Mr. Lakshmana.

In addition, the deputy commissioner convened meetings and, according to him, companies warned against unfair business practices.

The Congress has now decided to call on Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to call a meeting with officials of the Tobacco Board and representatives of tobacco companies participating in the auctions.

Mr. Lakshmana also proposed to hold a meeting with Mysuru district in-charge minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah to issue appropriate instructions and warn the companies against any “unfair practices”.

He said he learned from officials that around 90 million kg of tobacco is expected to be harvested this year.

Published – 27 Oct 2026 20:20 IST