Mysuru: The State Farmers’ Association and The Tobacco Growers Welfare Association have demanded the withdrawal of the unscientific penalty imposed by the Tobacco Board on the growers who are unable to grow tobacco due to various reasons, including excessive rains.
Speaking at a press conference here, Hosur Kumar, District President of the State Raitha Sangha and President of the Crop Committee, said that due to excessive rains and heavy rains in the last year, the Tobacco Board has imposed a penalty of Rs. 15,854 on farmers who have not sold 100 per cent tobacco, Rs 3,000 for those who have sold 50 per cent tobacco and Rs. 5,000 for those who have sold 25 per cent tobacco.
It is an unscientific decision to impose the fine even though it is known that due to excessive rains, tobacco cannot be supplied to the market without growing it. He said that a letter has been written to the Commerce Ministry and the Board Director to withdraw the penalty as the farmers who have already incurred losses and are in distress.
