Now Reading: Farmers block NH-16 in Ongole over tobacco prices
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Farmers block NH-16 in Ongole over tobacco prices
Hundreds of tobacco farmers blocked National Highway 16 at Tangutur toll plaza near Throvagunta in Ongole on Wednesday, demanding remunerative prices. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Prakasam district convener, Chunduri Ranga Rao,…
The Story in Brief
Hundreds of tobacco farmers blocked National Highway 16 at Tangutur toll plaza near Throvagunta in Ongole on Wednesday, demanding remunerative prices. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Prakasam district convener, Chunduri Ranga Rao, accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of ignoring three months of protests. He said the CM recently announced procurement of low-grade tobacco at Rs 110 per kg, while the average price is Rs 1,877. Farmers want a minimum of Rs 200 per kg and a Rs 1,000-crore procurement fund. CPI leader R. Venkat Rao noted that tobacco exports earn lakhs of crores in foreign exchange, yet the government hesitates to help farmers.
The Indian Opinion
The protest highlights a familiar pattern: promises made, promises broken. The government's earlier order mandating a minimum average price of Rs 200 per kg was ignored by traders, yet no action was taken. Now the offer of Rs 110 for low-grade tobacco seems arbitrary when the average market price is Rs 1,877. Farmers are right to be sceptical of corporate-friendly policies. The real test will be whether the state enforces its own procurement directive or lets the protests fizzle out.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
