Wed Jun 25 14:06:40 UTC 2025: **Headline: Andhra Pradesh Government Intervenes to Rescue Distressed Burley Tobacco Farmers**
**Amaravati, June 25, 2025** – In an unprecedented move, the Andhra Pradesh government has initiated the procurement of burley tobacco directly from farmers, a first for the state and potentially for India. This intervention comes in response to a significant overproduction of burley tobacco this year, leading to a drastic fall in market prices and leaving farmers in a state of distress.
The state government estimates that approximately 90 million kg of burley tobacco is currently available across Andhra Pradesh, with the Parchur Assembly constituency in Bapatla district being a major producer. Parchur MLA Yeluri Sambasiva Rao has been instrumental in advocating for the farmers’ cause, pressing the government to purchase the surplus produce.
According to Manazir Jeelani Samoon, Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Markfed, procurement has begun at seven auction platforms across Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam, and Guntur districts, with an initial target of 20 million kg. Private tobacco companies are also simultaneously purchasing the produce.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the Agriculture Department and district Collectors to implement a strict ban on burley tobacco cultivation starting this agricultural year. He has also instructed Markfed to prioritize purchasing from the farmers.
Mr. Jeelani Samoon noted that the Tobacco Board’s mandate is limited to Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, leaving the burley tobacco farmers unassisted by the board.
Mr. Sambasiva Rao explained that farmers increased their burley tobacco cultivation this year due to high prices the previous year. However, this year, companies are refusing to purchase the entire crop, citing a lack of market demand. The government’s intervention is intended to mitigate the economic impact on the farmers and prevent further hardship.
First Piper 