Bengaluru/New Delhi: Union Minister for Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy said that a delegation from Karnataka held a productive meeting with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss the challenges faced by tobacco growers in the state.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, Kumaraswamy stated that the meeting was held in the presence of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, along with several elected representatives from tobacco-growing regions of Karnataka.
During the discussions, the delegation highlighted key issues affecting tobacco farmers, including the need for immediate procurement of tobacco produce, expansion of export opportunities and exploration of new international markets for the crop.
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According to Kumaraswamy, Union Minister Piyush Goyal responded positively to the concerns raised by the delegation and assured that the central government would examine measures to address the crisis faced by growers.
He further said that Goyal has directed senior officials of the Commerce Ministry and representatives of the tobacco industry to engage with stakeholders and work toward practical solutions to ease the current difficulties faced by farmers.
The meeting was attended by several leaders including former minister S.R. Mahesh, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, MLA A. Manju, MLA G.D. Harish Gowda, MLA C.N. Manjegowda, Kolar MP Mallesh Babu, former MLA Mahadevu, Ashwin Kumar and senior JD(S) leader Krishnanayak, among others.
The delegation urged the Centre to take urgent steps to stabilise tobacco procurement and strengthen export channels, as thousands of farmers across Karnataka depend on tobacco cultivation for their livelihood.
