The Tobacco Board began auctions in Andhra Pradesh from February 24.
To start with, the auction will be held at six platforms initially and would be extended to the remaining platforms by the middle of March.
This year, the board has increased the auction platforms to 24 by adding four new platforms at Aswaraopet in Khammam district, Koyyalagudem in West Godavari district and Tangutur and Santhanuthalapadu in Prakasam district.
It has set 170 million kg yield for Andhra Pradesh and 100 million kg for Karnataka for the season, which starts on February 24. With the incessant rains damaging the crop in December and January, officials expect an output of 155 million kg, a shortage of 15 million kg.
Last year, the board permitted 170 million kg, while the yield was 207 million kg in AP. Similarly, in Karnataka, the total yield in the last season was 120 million kg against the permitted quantity of 100 million kg.