*YSRCP demands coalition to buy tobacco through Markfed*

*Tadepalli, July 10:* YSRCP has reiterated that the coalition government should procure the tobacco through Markfed as the farmers are in distress and the average price is falling with every passing day.

Speaking to media here on Friday, Party General Secretary MVS Nagi Reddy said, "The government holding review meetings and stating that low bid, no bid does not work out as the average price has dropped from Rs 231 to Rs 194 despite two review meetings by Chandrababu Naidu."

The government should take up a practical approach by allocating Rs 500 crore in tandem with the Tobacco Board and ensure that the MSP of Rs 200, as announced by the Chief Minister, be paid to farmers. Bringing in Markfed would create competition and the traders would stop exploiting the gullible farmers, he said.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy first brought Markfed into the picture and whenever there is a slide in MSP, the government would procure the produce at the MSP so that farmers would not be pushed into distress.

In the coalition government, farmers are being adversely affected and the government is confining itself to holding review meetings with farmers and companies, along with ministers doling out statements that tobacco price should not be less than Rs 200.

This does not work unless the government procures tobacco through Markfed, which will be a solace to the farmers as their input costs have also increased this year by Rs 20 per kg. Chandrababu himself has stated that if the tobacco price goes below Rs 200 per kg, the government will be forced to declare a crop holiday. In such a situation, the government should take serious steps to save the farmers as the loads are returning from market yards as they are not getting MSP, and the labour charges have become an additional burden.

On the land survey pattadar books, MVS Nagi Reddy said it was YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who carried out a scientific survey using satellite technology for accuracy, and Chandrababu claiming that it is his brainchild shows his lack of concern. What the coalition government is doing is changing the cover page and giving it as its own invention, he said.