Tue Jun 03 14:07:58 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Karnataka’s Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture, K. Venkatesh, has called on the central government to allocate a portion of tobacco tax revenue to support tobacco farmers. He made the appeal at the 25th Tobacco Institute of India (TII) Tobacco Farmers’ Awards in Mysuru. Venkatesh highlighted the significant tax revenue generated from tobacco sales in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and questioned the amount reinvested in the farmers’ welfare. He urged the Tobacco Board to develop programs for this purpose. The Minister also advised farmers against planting a second tobacco crop in the same season and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar asked to reduce high cost of tobacco production through adoption of modern technology.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Minister Urges Centre to Support Tobacco Farmers with Tax Revenue**

**MYSURU, June 3, 2025** – Karnataka’s Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture, K. Venkatesh, has made a strong appeal to the central government to dedicate a portion of the substantial tax revenue generated from tobacco sales to support the livelihoods of tobacco farmers. He made the statement during the 25th Tobacco Institute of India (TII) Tobacco Farmers’ Awards held in Mysuru on Tuesday.

Minister Venkatesh pointed out that the Centre collects over ₹13,000 crore in tax from tobacco sales in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. “How much of this revenue is actually spent on the farmers who contribute so significantly?” he questioned. He emphasized that these farmers, who contribute immensely to the state’s coffers, deserve substantial support from the central government. He further urged the Tobacco Board to prioritize the development of comprehensive welfare programs specifically designed for tobacco farmers.

Addressing concerns over crop management, Mr. Venkatesh cautioned farmers against planting a second tobacco crop within the same season, a practice some resort to when anticipating a shortfall in their yield.

Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar also spoke at the event, emphasizing the need to reduce the high cost of tobacco production through adoption of modern technology. He suggested that new technology can allow for better yield and cost-effectiveness.

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