Bengaluru, March 2 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, emphasized on Monday that the Central government remains dedicated to safeguarding the rights of tobacco farmers in Karnataka.

Kumaraswamy’s remarks followed a significant meeting in Mysuru with representatives from tobacco-growing areas, farmers, buyers, and top officials of the Tobacco Board concerning the existing crisis surrounding the Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco auction in the state.

The Union Minister reiterated the government's commitment to the welfare of tobacco growers and issued a warning to traders to fulfill their obligations regarding tobacco purchases from farmers.

He highlighted the necessity of protecting farmers and urged traders to adhere to their promises. Furthermore, he encouraged farmers to offer competitive prices for tobacco, akin to those available in neighboring Andhra Pradesh.

Kumaraswamy indicated that the Central government is open to addressing the challenges faced by traders, including duties and other issues, but insisted that the procurement of tobacco must proceed as planned.

In response to traders voicing concerns about the increased duties on cigarettes imposed by the Central government, the Union Minister questioned the rationale behind placing the burden on farmers who are not involved in this issue. He pointed out that traders transfer the responsibility of duty hikes to cigarette consumers and asked why farmers were unfairly affected.

Kumaraswamy reassured that the Union government is willing to listen to traders' grievances, noting that both he and Mysuru–Kodagu Lok Sabha MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar have engaged in ongoing discussions with all parties involved.

He promised to meet with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present a request regarding the duty increases while urging traders to commit to supporting farmers.

Additionally, Kumaraswamy sought clarification from Tobacco Board officials about the identity of buyers participating in the auction and whether there were any constraints on foreign companies' participation. The officials informed him that no such restrictions exist.

The Union Minister cautioned traders against unilaterally halting the auction process and urged them to refrain from taking such actions. He expressed that farmers in Karnataka should not develop misconceptions about the Tobacco Board or buyers and warned of the serious consequences if farmers lose confidence and opt for alternative crops.

Kumaraswamy assured traders that if they have specific demands, they can reach out to the Central government in New Delhi, emphasizing that efforts will be made to resolve them, but the interests of farmers must remain a priority.

He noted that tobacco growers have faced difficulties due to falling tobacco prices following the Makar Sankranti festival and instructed Tobacco Board officials and traders to implement measures to stabilize price fluctuations and ensure that farmers receive fair compensation.

He reiterated the importance of discussions among all stakeholders to conclude with a decision to offer prices exceeding those from the previous year.

Kumaraswamy confirmed that officials and traders have agreed to proceed with this plan, and the procurement process is currently taking place at auction centers.

In response to an inquiry, the Union Minister clarified that discussions were specifically focused on increasing tobacco prices.

Present at the meeting were Karnataka's Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh, BJP MPs Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar, Sunil Bose, and BJP MLAs A. Manju, C.N. Manjegowda, G.D. Harish Gowda, and Vivekananda, among others.