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Our Bureau

Guntur , July 30

THE decision of the Union Commerce Ministry to regularise the unauthorised tobacco barns in Karnataka, numbering more than 29,000, has been criticised by the Andhra Pradesh Virginia Tobacco Growers' Association. It has urged the Tobacco Board to convene an emergency meeting and reject the suggestion of the Ministry.

Reacting to the decision of the Union Commerce Ministry, conveyed to the Board on Wednesday, Dr Y. Sivaji, the President of the association, said it was contrary to the interests of the Andhra Pradesh farmers and it was a drastic step that would lead to a huge spurt in tobacco production in Karnataka.

"The trade has been discriminating against the Andhra farmers ever since the crop holiday. The farmers in AP stood united and foiled the designs of the trade and the Karnataka farmers didn't co-operate. Ever since, the trade has been encouraging the Karnataka farmers to grow more. As a result of the surpluses, the Andhra farmers are suffering," he alleged.

Dr Sivaji said that against 26,000 authorised barns or so in Karnataka there were more than 27,000 unauthorised barns. "The decision of the Commerce Ministry would double the number of barns in that State. Both the State Governments — Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka — should have been consulted before taking the decision," he said.

He said he had apprised the Chief Minister, Dr Y. Rajasekhara Reddy, of the repercussions on tobacco cultivation in the State and a letter had also been sent to Mr A.K. Goel, the Principal Secretary, the State Government's representative on the board.

More Stories on : Tobacco | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka

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