Nikhil Kumaraswamy urges Centre to ensure fair prices for Karnataka tobacco farmers

NEW DELHI: Janata Dal (Secular) youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy met Union Minister for Commerce and Industries, Piyush Goyal, in the national capital on Monday to advocate for Karnataka’s tobacco farmers.

During the meeting, Kumaraswamy presented a representation on their behalf, highlighting the price disparities they face. Nikhil Kumaraswamy urged the Centre to ensure fair and remunerative prices, calling it essential to protect the livelihoods of thousands of farming families in the state.

According to an official statement, tobacco farmers in Karnataka have been grappling with multiple challenges, including price disparities compared to farmers in other states. The issue was brought to the attention of Kumaraswamy and JD(S) leader and former Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy last Saturday.

Today, I had the privilege of meeting Sri @PiyushGoyal Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, along with Sri @hd_kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, Government of India, in the company of Sri Nikhil Kumaraswamy, Youth President of… pic.twitter.com/DaBVFfM3YS

— Yaduveer Wadiyar (@yaduveerwadiyar) December 2, 2024

“I was honoured to be accompanied by H D Kumaraswamy, whose invaluable experience and steadfast commitment to farmers’ welfare have always been a guiding force”, Nikhil Kumaraswamy said. The meeting also garnered support from Kodagu-Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar, Hunsur MLA G T Harish Gowda, and former minister Sa Ra Mahesh, the official statement added.

Further, the statement highlighted their collective efforts to address farmers’ concerns effectively and collaboratively.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal assured that the Ministry of Commerce and Industries would work toward finding a solution to the issue. The statement, citing Goyal, mentioned that the challenges faced by tobacco farmers would be addressed and steps would be taken to ensure they receive fair prices for their produce.

Nikhil Kumaraswamy reiterated his commitment to tirelessly advocating for the rights and well-being of Karnataka’s farmers. “Together, we will ensure their voices are heard and their livelihoods are secured,” the statement, quoting Nikhil Kumaraswamy, affirmed. (ANI)