Bapatla District Collector bans Black Burley tobacco cultivation for this year  

In a significant move, Bapatla District Collector J. Venkata Murali has imposed a complete ban on the cultivation of Black Burley tobacco in the district for the current agricultural year, citing severe financial losses suffered by farmers in recent seasons.

Chairing a review meeting at the Bapatla Collectorate on Wednesday with officials from MARKFED, the Agriculture Department, and private buyers, Mr. Murali said excessive cultivation—driven by unkept promises from companies—had led to market crashes, leaving farmers in distress. He warned that any violation of the ban, including nursery cultivation, would invite strict action, including destruction of crops. “Even nursery cultivation of Black Burley tobacco is strictly prohibited,” he said, urging farmers to switch to more profitable alternatives.

Reassuring farmers, the Collector said the government would stand by them and support those transitioning to sustainable crops. However, farmers who have already harvested Black Burley will be allowed to sell their produce to private buyers. He also cautioned growers against bringing tobacco with moisture content exceeding 20% to procurement centres and advised them to safeguard the crop from rain damage. Mr. Murali reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting farmer interests and assured procurement of every legally grown leaf this season.