Tobacco farmers protest sharp fall in prices, auctions suspended in few places in Karnataka

Tobacco farmers in Karnataka protest price drop; auctions suspended, reduced purchases by tobacco companies resulting in price volatility.

A steep decline in tobacco prices has triggered protests by farmers, forcing the Tobacco Board to suspend auctions at several platforms across Mysuru district in Karnataka.

Tensions escalated on February 18 when farmers boycotted auctions at Hunsur and blocked the Hunsur–K.R. Nagar highway, protesting the sudden price crash. On February 19, Animal Husbandry and Sericulture Minister K. Venkatesh, who represents Periyapatna, was reportedly gheraoed by agitating farmers at the Kaggundi auction platform in Periyapatna.

Tobacco Board officials confirmed that auctions have been suspended at the Hunsur and Periyapatna platforms in view of the unrest.

Farmers said the price of the bright grade variety of tobacco, which had been fetching around ₹320 per kg, has fallen in recent days to about ₹280 per kg, fuelling anger and uncertainty. Growers also expressed concern over weak demand from traders, which they said has compounded their losses.

On February 18, the protests turned volatile in Hunsur, where a field officer was allegedly manhandled. Stones were also reportedly pelted at the auction premises, damaging glass panes. Further, farmers demanded action against a Board official for allegedly addressing them in a callous manner.

While auctions have been halted at several centres, Board officials said trading continued on February 19 at platforms in H.D. Kote, Ramanathapura and Chilkunda.