Minister Atchannaidu warns against irregularities in tobacco purchases

Amaravati : Minister Atchannaidu held a teleconference on Friday on the purchase of Virginia tobacco. He said that all auction platforms should be started immediately. Every company must participate in the auction. He ordered that the tobacco rejection rate should be reduced. He made it clear that it would not be tolerated if companies become syndicates and reduce prices by putting a ceiling on even good bales. He advised the Tobacco Board to take strict action against the companies if the syndicate is confirmed. Companies should definitely purchase all grades of tobacco. He ordered the Tobacco Board to strictly monitor the purchases. Farmers should bring tobacco to the auction as per the instructions of the Tobacco Board… thus getting a good price and reducing the rejection rate, the minister said. The Tobacco Board will discuss with bankers and provide loans to farmers who want to store tobacco. He said that the government will take all measures to ensure that farmers get a fair price. He concluded that there will be no compromise on the interests of tobacco farmers. The board was ordered to take action against companies that did not participate in the auction. He said that the associate ministers and MLAs are personally examining the tobacco auction platforms. If the syndicate is confirmed, they are instructing the representatives of the Tobacco Board to take strict action. Minister Atchannaidu said that no irregularities in tobacco purchases will be tolerated. Ministers Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Dola SBV Swamy, Tobacco Board Chairman, ED, and Agriculture Department Director Jilani participated in the teleconference.