Jagan Mohan Reddy: Tobacco farmers warn of field entry if the Andhra Pradesh government fails to address their grievances over delayed auctions. The former Chief Minister announced that he will directly enter the fields to support the struggling tobacco growers if authorities do not respond positively within a few days. Jagan Mohan Reddy made this statement after meeting with farmers in West Godavari district to understand their problems.
Jagan Mohan Reddy Tobacco Farmers Support campaign has gained momentum as the YCP chief plans to visit Gopalapuram in West Godavari district soon. He will also hold a meeting at Jangareddygudem to hear directly from the affected farmers. The YCP believes these tours will increase pressure on the Chandrababu Naidu-led government to expedite the tobacco auction process.
Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the government’s handling of the auction, noting that out of 2,332 million kg of tobacco grown in the state, only 38 million kg has been purchased so far. He pointed out that only 16.5 percent of the auction process, normally completed in 100 days, has been finished in 94 days. This delay, he argued, is a clear failure of the government. He also warned that if auctions begin in Karnataka in September, traders may shift their business there, impacting local farmers further.
The former CM also raised concerns over market prices dropping after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s review, where he suggested the tobacco price should not be reduced by Rs.200. Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged this shows the influence of a syndicate working against farmers. He assured that YCP will stand by farmers of any crop in any district. Jagan Mohan Reddy made it clear that he will not allow farmers to face injustice silently and threatened another visit to Kandukur if the government does not act soon.