The Andhra Pradesh government has assured FCV tobacco growers that it would take measures to protect them from losses amid the ongoing crisis, Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu said in Guntur on Monday.

Addressing a meeting at the Tobacco Board office attended by Ministers Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy and Gottipati Ravi Kumar, legislators, Tobacco Board officials, buying companies and farmers, Mr. Atchannaidu said purchases should begin from Tuesday at the fixed prices.

Companies had been directed to pay at least ₹230 a kg for bright-grade tobacco, ₹190 for medium grade, ₹130 for off-style and ₹110 for low-grade tobacco. Firms violating the prescribed rates would face stringent action, he warned.

The Centre had agreed to provide every tobacco farmer, including authorised, unauthorised and tenant growers, an interest-free loan of ₹50,000 for two years. The State government would additionally provide ₹1,000 a quintal for 94 million kg of off-style and low-grade tobacco.

Mr. Atchannaidu said excessive cultivation had pushed tobacco production to 240 million kg against the permitted 140 million kg. To prevent a recurrence, cultivation next season would be capped at 80 million kg, with controls beginning from the distribution of seeds.

He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had held six reviews and directed the authorities to ensure that FCV tobacco farmers were protected.

Published - August 10, 2026 06:50 pm IST