Burley tobacco farmers seek policy solution

FOLLOWING a record-high production season, Burley tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh are facing a sharp price crash and mounting uncertainty.

- BANDHAVI ANNAM @Guntur

While a partial relief effort is underway through government procurement, growers are intensifying calls for long-term regulatory reforms, including bringing Burley tobacco under the purview of the Tobacco Board.

In the 2025 season, Burley tobacco was cultivated across four major districts—Bapatla, Guntur, Palnadu, and Prakasam—covering a total of 90,964 acres, and yielding approximately 102.48 million kg. Bapatla led the production with 13,451 farmers cultivating it in 66,814 acres, and producing 75.96 million kg. Guntur followed with 3,731 farmers cultivating it in 14,094 acres, and generating 15.45 million kg. Palnadu contributed 8.75 million kg from 7,876 acres cultivated by 2,264 farmers, while Prakasam had the lowest output of 2.32 million kg from 2,180 acres and 530 farmers.