Andhra CM directs officails to expedite procurement of HD Burley tobacco

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed officials to expedite the procurement of HD Burley tobacco, urging them to approach agricultural produce with a commercial outlook.

Highlighting the unique challenges faced by farmers cultivating crops like tobacco and mango, the CM underscored the importance of supporting them and ensuring they receive the best possible prices for their produce, according to an official release.

During a review meeting on support prices for mango, tobacco and cocoa crops, officials apprised Naidu of procurement of 80 million kg of HD Burley tobacco in 2025, out of which 27 million kg has already been sold.

Naidu directed officials to expedite the procurement of the remaining 53 million kilograms, it said.

For the balance stock, arrangements have been made for 24 companies to purchase 33 million kg while Andhra Pradesh Markfed is set to procure the remaining 20 million kg of HD Burley tobacco.

Procurement centres have been established in Bapatla, Guntur, Palnadu and Prakasam districts.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that procurement operations at these centres would intensify starting tomorrow.

Noting that a robust grading system boosts exports, the TDP supremo said he had taken up the issues of reducing import duties on palm oil and lowering GST on mango pulp from 12 percent to five percent with the central government.

He directed officials to closely coordinate with the central departments on these matters.

The CM also stressed the importance of keeping farmers informed about cropping plans, especially concerning mango cultivation and said they need timely information on market demand to ensure fair pricing.

Currently, the government is providing an additional support price of Rs 4 per kg for mangoes.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that processing units purchase mangoes at no less than Rs 8 per kg, said the press release.

Regarding cocoa, officials reported that 12,000 tonnes have been produced this year, out of which 10,000 tonnes have already been sold while 80 to 100 tonnes are being procured per day.

Naidu directed officials to ensure that the remaining stock be procured by the first week of July.