Mysuru: In a significant relief for Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco growers in the Mysuru region affected by natural calamities, the Union government has enhanced the financial assistance provided through the Tobacco Board. The revised package increases the combined grant and interest-free loan assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, offering additional support to farmers facing crop losses and financial hardship.
The decision follows sustained representations made by Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Tobacco Board, seeking higher financial assistance for growers impacted by adverse weather conditions.
Relief enhanced after repeated representations
In a press release issued in Mysuru, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said he had consistently urged the Union government to increase the relief ceiling, highlighting the severe distress experienced by FCV tobacco farmers due to natural calamities.
Responding to the demand, the Tobacco Board revised the financial assistance by increasing the grant and interest-free loan amount from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. The revised assistance is expected to ease the financial burden on affected growers and help them recover from losses.
The MP said the enhanced aid would provide timely support to farmers struggling to restore cultivation and sustain their livelihoods.
Gratitude to Union government and Tobacco Board
Wadiyar expressed his gratitude to Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and the Tobacco Board for approving the enhancement in financial assistance.
He said the decision demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to addressing the concerns of tobacco growers and ensuring that farmers affected by natural disasters receive adequate support.
According to the MP, the increased assistance will strengthen the economic stability of growers in Mysuru and Kodagu districts and enable them to resume agricultural activities with greater confidence.
Demand for fair support price continues
Apart from seeking enhanced financial relief, Wadiyar has also urged the Union government to ensure fair and remunerative support prices for Karnataka’s FCV tobacco growers.
In a letter addressed to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, he requested that tobacco farmers in Karnataka be extended support prices comparable to those provided to growers in Andhra Pradesh.
He stated that Karnataka’s tobacco farmers deserve equal recognition and protection and should receive equitable policy support from the Centre.
The MP emphasised that fair pricing remains essential for improving farmers’ incomes and ensuring the long-term sustainability of tobacco cultivation in the state.
Farmers urged to utilise revised scheme
Wadiyar appealed to all eligible FCV tobacco growers in Mysuru and Kodagu districts to approach their nearest Tobacco Board offices and avail themselves of the benefits under the revised assistance scheme.
He urged farmers to complete the necessary formalities at the earliest so they can benefit from the increased grant and interest-free loan package.
Officials are expected to provide guidance on eligibility, documentation and the application process to ensure that the assistance reaches all eligible beneficiaries without delay.
Boost for calamity-hit growers
The enhancement of financial assistance is expected to provide much-needed relief to tobacco growers who have suffered losses due to adverse weather conditions in recent years.
With higher financial support and continued efforts to secure fair support prices, the revised package is expected to improve the resilience of FCV tobacco farmers and help revive agricultural activity in the Mysuru and Kodagu regions.