PNS|Vijayawada
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu conducted a detailed review meeting at the Undavalli camp office on Thursday to address procurement and price realisation challenges affecting tobacco, mango, and cocoa crops.
The meeting centred on securing better returns for farmers and resolving ongoing market issues.
Reiterating that farmer welfare is the government’s foremost priority, the Chief Minister highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s proactive efforts in horticulture, aquaculture, and paddy procurement. He directed officials to visit fields regularly, assess ground realities, and intervene promptly to prevent farmer distress.
In regard to tobacco, Naidu issued several key instructions. The Tobacco Board will regulate the acreage of FCV tobacco cultivation.
White Burley tobacco is to be grown only under company buy-back arrangements, while HD Burley (Black Burley) tobacco will gradually be replaced with alternative crops such as pulses and millets, following consultations with farmers. Procurement of tobacco will commence immediately at seven market yards, namely Parchur, Inkollu, Martur, Pedanandipadu, Prathipadu, Chilakaluripet, and Maddipadu. Leading companies like ITC and GPI have been directed to procure up to 25 million kilograms of HD Burley tobacco. The government will also engage with companies to ensure procurement of second and third-grade tobacco, which has so far been neglected.
Addressing concerns of mango farmers, the Chief Minister took note of the unsold stock of nearly 43,000 metric tonnes of mango pulp, caused by reduced demand from companies like Parle Agro, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo. Traders are now mandated to procure mangoes at Rs 12 per kg, with the government subsidising Rs 4 per kg if only Rs 8 per kg is paid. Mandatory registration of farmers, traders, and processing units will be enforced, along with proper record-keeping of all transactions.
On the cocoa front, 465 metric tonnes have already been procured, leaving 745 metric tonnes yet to be sold. To ensure fair pricing, the government will provide an additional Rs 50 per kg subsidy over the current market price of Rs 450, enabling farmers to receive Rs 500 per kg.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of data-driven crop planning based on rainfall patterns, market trends, and water availability. He urged the use of satellite imagery and demand forecasting tools to guide farmers towards more profitable cultivation options. Starting Friday, procurement of mango, tobacco, and cocoa will be intensified.
The number of Rythu Bazaars across the state will be increased from 116 to 200, and mobile markets will be launched to enhance accessibility. Agro-processing infrastructure will also be strengthened, particularly during market slumps. A refined list of eligible farmers will be drawn up using PM-KISAN data to ensure benefits are directed to the right beneficiaries.
Naidu made it clear that the government would act as a safety net during price crashes but emphasised that assistance must reach genuine farmers rather than middlemen. The agriculture department has been instructed to help farmers shift to alternative crops when market conditions become unfavourable.
The Chief Minister also asked state ministers and MPs to appeal to the Centre for a reversal of the recent import duty cuts on palm oil, which have adversely affected domestic producers. Despite fiscal constraints, he affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the farming community and ensuring fair prices for their produce.
