JD(S) Demands Immediate State Intervention for Distressed Tobacco Farmers in Mysuru
JD(S) working president SR Mahesh has made an urgent appeal to the Karnataka state government to step in and support tobacco farmers who are facing severe hardship due to a sharp and devastating fall in prices. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Saturday, Mahesh highlighted the critical situation unfolding across the district.
Widespread Dependence on Tobacco Cultivation
Mahesh emphasized that a large number of farmers in five taluks of Mysuru district rely heavily on tobacco cultivation as their primary source of livelihood. The ongoing price crash has pushed many of these agricultural families into deep financial distress, threatening their economic stability and well-being.
He pointed out that Mysore MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda had previously intervened to protect the interests of tobacco growers. Their efforts led to the Union government initiating measures to facilitate tobacco exports to nearly 190 countries where Indian tobacco is in high demand.
Call for State-Level Support and Incentives
While appreciating the Centre's ongoing efforts to stabilize the market, Mahesh specifically urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take immediate and concrete steps to safeguard farmers in his home district. He demanded that the state government provide a direct incentive of Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kilogram of tobacco purchased. Additionally, he called for directives to be issued to the Indian Tobacco Company to procure the crop grown in the Mysuru region, ensuring a guaranteed market for the produce.
Alarming Reports of Farmer Distress and Suicide Attempts
The JD(S) leader painted a grim picture of the rising distress among the farming community. He revealed that some tobacco growers, unable to cope with the mounting losses, had attempted suicide in Periyapatna and Hunsur taluks. Mahesh made a heartfelt appeal to the government to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further such tragedies, underscoring the human cost of the price crisis.
Political Efforts and Market Developments
Hunsur MLA GD Harishgowda provided an update on recent political interventions. He stated that Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy met with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday to appeal for urgent central intervention. Harishgowda expressed optimism, noting that tobacco prices are expected to stabilize in the auction market starting Monday. He added that at Friday's auction, prices had already seen a modest increase of Rs 10 to Rs 20 per kilogram, offering a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered farmers.
Additional Demands on LPG Cylinder Black Marketing
In a related development, JD(S) functionaries also raised concerns about the black marketing of LPG cylinders. They demanded that the state government crack down on this illegal activity and take strict action against hoarders who exploit consumers during times of scarcity. This issue was highlighted as part of the broader call for governmental accountability and support for vulnerable sections of society.
The situation in Mysuru underscores the pressing need for coordinated efforts between state and central authorities to address agricultural crises and protect the livelihoods of farmers dependent on cash crops like tobacco.
