Mysuru: Union minister for heavy industries and steel, HD Kumaraswamy, on Monday reiterated that the Union govt is commited to safeguard the interests of tobacco growers, during a high-level meeting held at the CIIL Auditorium.He said, a loss of confidence among farmers could push them towards alternative crops, adversely affecting the entire industry.Addressing the ongoing crisis surrounding FCV tobacco auctions, he directed traders to immediately honour their previous commitments and resume procurement from farmers without further delay. The minister urged merchants to offer competitive prices on a par with that in Andhra Pradesh and questioned why the burden of increased cigarette taxes was being shifted onto growers instead of consumers. Stressing that farmers should not suffer due to policy changes, he called for a fair and transparent auction process.Accompanied by Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, the minister assured traders that their concerns regarding tax hikes would be taken up with the Union finance minister, provided farmers’ welfare remained the top priority.The meeting was attended by Karnataka sericulture minister K Venkatesh, who represents Periyapatna, where tobacco is a major commercial crop. Chamarajanagar MP Sunil Bose, Hunsur MLA G D Harish Gowda, Arkalgud MLA A Manju, and MLCs C N Manjegowda and K Vivekananda were present.
