Congress Leader Demands Three Hundred Rupees Per Kilogram for Tobacco

Congress leader M. Lakshmana has demanded a minimum price of three hundred rupees per kilogram for tobacco. He visited the tobacco auction platform at Kaggundi village in Periyapatna taluk on Tuesday to speak with farmers and Tobacco Board officials.

Auction Details

Auctions for the current season started on October 23. The Mysuru region grows high-grade Flue-Cured Virginia tobacco that is sent to different parts of the world. Officials informed Mr. Lakshmana that about ninety million kilograms of tobacco are expected to be harvested this year.

Cartel Allegations

Mr. Lakshmana claimed that tobacco-buying companies have formed a cartel and that the Union government is acting under the pressure of large companies. The Tobacco Board operates under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He also said that farmers faced heavy exploitation during the previous season despite protests.

Official Actions

Although tobacco is not directly controlled by the State government, three letters were sent to Union Minister Piyush Goyal by the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. These letters followed steps taken by Periyapatna MLA K. Venkatesh, former Hunsur MLA H.P. Manjunath, and Mr. Lakshmana. The Deputy Commissioner also held meetings and warned companies against unfair trade practices.

Next Steps

The Congress party plans to ask Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to hold a meeting with Tobacco Board officials and company representatives. Mr. Lakshmana also proposed a meeting with Mysuru district in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah to give strict directions against unfair trade practices.

Context

Tobacco farming is a major economic activity in the Mysuru region, supporting many local growers who depend heavily on proper auction prices. Market prices are often influenced by large corporate buyers, leading to frequent calls for government intervention to protect farmer incomes. The Tobacco Board plays a key role in regulating these sales and setting auction rules.