Ongole: Hundreds of tobacco farmers took to the streets in Ongole on Friday, demanding remunerative prices for their produce. Hundreds of tractors participated in a protest rally, from the Mini Stadium to the Collector's office, organised under the banner of Samyukt Kisan Morcha, Prakasam District Committee.
CPI State secretary and Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham president G Eeswaraiah attended the programme as the chief guest, presided over by SKM Prakasam district convener Chunduri Rangarao, and led the rally. He demanded that the government immediately come to the rescue of Virginia tobacco farmers who are not even recovering their basic investment costs in the 2025-26 season. He said corporate companies have formed a syndicate and are cheating farmers. He blamed the government for raising tobacco taxes from 28 percent to 40 percent without consulting farmer unions.
Eeswaraiah demanded a minimum support price of Rs 250 per kg. He said Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's statement of ensuring Rs 200 per kg was inadequate. He demanded that the central and state governments allocate Rs 1,000 crore for tobacco procurement. He warned that if farmers are not included in central government talks, the agitation would be intensified from Vijayawada.
CPI district secretary R Venkatarao, CPM district secretary Sk Mabu, and other leaders participated in the programme.