Farmers hopeful of remunerative price in Tobacco

Rajamahendravaram: Tobacco auction will commence at Thorredu auction centre on Thursday. Farmers are eagerly waiting for remunerative price at least this year, despite the persisting rumours that tobacco companies are looking to buy cheap.
Farmers are investing about Rs one lakh per acre.

Even though the yield is good the farmers are not getting profit for the last few years, due to lack of remunerative price. As many as 247 farmers under Thorredu auction centre limits did not cultivate tobacco this year, fearing losses. Though 1397 farmers got permission to cultivate in 4,491 acres, only 1150 farmers have cultivated tobacco in 3705 acres this year.

Virginia tobacco cultivation is going on in 10 mandals in twin Godavari districts. Farmers are usually getting Rs 100 to Rs 110 per one kilogram but they are demanding a price of Rs 160 per kg.It is alleged that the tobacco companies have a tacit
understanding and are deliberately reducing the price during auctions.

Meanwhile, farmers are hoping that more number of companies will participate in the auction, which might lead to fetching of remunerative price. They are busy in transporting tobacco to the auction centre and grading the produce.