Will Take Tobacco Farmers’ Issues to the Centre: YS Jagan

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has assured full support to Virginia tobacco farmers who are facing severe losses following a steep hike in excise duty and GST by the Central government.

On Thursday, tobacco farmers from Jangareddygudem mandal in Eluru district met Jagan Mohan Reddy and explained their difficulties. They said the increase in taxes has led to a sharp decline in market demand for tobacco, resulting in falling prices and severe financial distress.

Responding to their concerns, Jagan Mohan Reddy said the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) would stand firmly with Virginia tobacco farmers affected by the tax burden. He assured that the issue would be taken up with the Central government and that pressure would be mounted to provide relief to the farmers.

He directed YSRCP Members of Parliament to raise the issue during the ongoing Parliament Budget Session in New Delhi. Jagan Mohan Reddy said the party would fight to ensure immediate assistance from the Centre to farmers struggling with financial hardship.

The farmers informed him that protests are already under way in several districts across the state against the tax hike. They said traders were unwilling to purchase tobacco due to increased taxes, leading to a sharp fall in their income. The farmers urged the Central government to immediately roll back the tax hike and take appropriate policy decisions to support them. They also submitted a memorandum to Jagan Mohan Reddy seeking his intervention.