The Tobacco Board is planning to spend Rs 98.13 crore on auction platforms this financial year. The amount will be used for upgrading auction centres, developing seven new auction platforms in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and computerisation of platforms. The Board has already cleared seven new auction platforms – three in Karnataka and four in Andhra Pradesh. These would be fully equipped with computers and closed circuit televisions to monitor the auctioning of tobacco. Besides, they would also have storage sheds.
The governing body of the board met in Guntur yesterday and approved a budget of Rs 98.13 crore for this financial year. Chairman G Kamalavardhana Rao said the amount would be spent for developing new platforms at Tangutur, Santhanuthalapadu, Koyyalagudem and Aswaraopet in Andhra Pradesh and Kampalapura, Periyapatna and HD Kote in Karnataka. He added that auctions would be taken up at these seven platforms from the next tobacco season, starting August and June in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, respectively.
The board has decided to take stern action against farmers producing tobacco without permission. Steps will also be taken against cultivators who exceed their permit.
