The Hindu Business Line : Tobacco auctions begin on 11 more floors in AP

Guntur, Feb. 21 Virginia tobacco auctions began on 11 more floors on Thursday in Andhra Pradesh in the second phase. In the first, auctions had begun on six floors in the State and so far 7 million kg of tobacco has been sold.

The Tobacco Board has authorised production of 149 million kg in the State, but usually there is a surplus. However, the surplus may be within manageable limits this season, as rains have hit the crop in certain pockets. Last season, the prices were good and the farmers are expecting a good season this time around going by the trend of Karnataka auctions.

Crop loss

According to the Chairman of the Tobacco Board, Mr J. Suresh Babu, there has been some crop loss in the Guntur and Prakasam districts due to heavy rains for three to four days earlier this month and the damage has been estimated at Rs 21.5 crore. He said the report would be sent to the Union Government and the State Government for follow-up action.

Dr Y. Sivaji, the President of the AP Virginia Tobacco Growers’ Association, said the farmers were optimistic that the prices might be good this season too.

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