Senior officials of the Union Ministry of Commerce, led by Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav, met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu today in Amaravati and held discussions on measures to address the problems faced by tobacco farmers in the state.
During the meeting, three proposals, including interest-free working capital loans, incentives and price deficiency compensation, were discussed. The Chief Minister said the proposals should be examined in detail to ensure that farmers do not suffer. He stressed the need for a permanent solution to prevent the recurrence of such problems and called for a comprehensive short, medium and long-term strategy.
Mr. Naidu said the Centre, State Government, Tobacco Board, traders and farmers should work together to evolve a sustainable policy, taking market demand and international conditions into account. He also asked officials to explore measures such as scientific storage and better marketing strategies.
Later, Union Minister of State Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar held discussions with tobacco buyers and urged them to cooperate in protecting the interests of farmers. Further discussions with traders will be held on Monday.
