Vijayawada: In a major relief to tobacco farmers, the state govt has established additional procurement centres in Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, and Prakasam districts to accelerate the purchase of Black Burley tobacco during the ongoing 2024–25 crop season.The move comes in response to growing concerns over delays in procurement due to full warehouses and limited infrastructure in high-yield regions. Agriculture minister K Atchannaidu directed district collectors to take immediate steps to operationalise these centres, with special administrative permissions granted for smooth implementation.The minister assured that the state govt will bear full transportation costs and arrange for alternative godown storage to prevent bottlenecks in procurement. He also emphasised that small and marginal farmers will be given top priority under the revised procurement system starting Monday, July 21, with up to 20 quintals per farmer to be procured on a priority basis. Farmers with more than 20 quintals will be accommodated through a separate schedule.So far, 36 million kgs of tobacco—around 45% of total production from 36,000 hectares—was procured by 22 private companies and AP Markfed. Minister Atchannaidu also stated that quality standards will be maintained during procurement, and that the state and central warehousing corporations may be involved if additional storage capacity is required.The current weekly procurement system will continue until Saturday, July 19. Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, MLAs P Pullarao, Eluru Sambasiva Rao, Ramamjaneyulu, and top officials including special chief secretary Rajashekhar, director of agriculture Dilli Rao, marketing commissioner Sunitha, and tobacco board representatives are closely monitoring the process.
