State to rollout Coco policy soon

The Andhra Pradesh government will soon introduce a Cocoa Policy aimed at ensuring better returns for farmers. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during a review conducted at the Undavalli camp office on Thursday, emphasised the need to sensitise farmers about maintaining quality and ensure that all agricultural products meet the international standards.

Mr. Naidu directed officials to encourage Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to establish processing units. Additionally, he asked them to ensure remunerative prices and timely procurement for crops like cocoa, mango, and tobacco, which are a top priority.

Officials informed Mr. Naidu that so far, 465 metric tonnes of cocoa have been procured from farmers, while another 745 metric tonnes remain with farmers. Presently, a minimum remunerative price of ₹500 per kg is fixed, and companies are currently paying ₹450 per kg, while the state government is paying ₹50 per kg as subsidy.

Mr. Naidu said: “The interests of farmers are the top priority for the government. Officials must visit fields regularly to understand ground realities and prevent farmer dissatisfaction. The government has consistently supported farmers in horticulture, aquaculture, and paddy procurement.”

The government has directed the Tobacco Board to regulate the acreage for FCV tobacco cultivation in the state. The White Burley variety will be cultivated only under contract, and companies have been mandated to procure it accordingly. For HD Burley (Black Burley), officials are to consult farmers and must encourage cultivation of alternative crops such as pulses and millets in the relevant villages.

Companies, like the ITC and GPI have been directed to procure up to 25 million kg of HD Burley tobacco. However, as they are reluctant to purchase second- and third-grade HD Burley, Mr. Naidu asked officials to hold consultations with the companies to resolve the issue.

Seven market yards – Parchur, Inkollu, Martur, Pedanandipadu, Prattipadu, Chilakaluripet, and Maddipadu – have been readied for immediate tobacco procurement. Purchases will begin shortly.

With regard to the mango crop, officials informed the Chief Minister that around 43,000 metric tonnes of mango pulp are stuck with processing companies as orders from major buyers like Parle Agro, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo have not come, leading to the problem. 

Mr. Naidu directed the officials to see that traders buy mangoes at ₹12 per kg immediately. If traders pay ₹8, the state government will subsidise ₹4 per kg directly to farmers. He also asked all farmers, traders, and processors to register themselves along with maintaining proper records.

Published - June 06, 2025 12:00 am IST