Falak Sher
MARDAN
Tobacco farmers have complained that apart from three major companies, a few others are purchasing tobacco from growers at very low prices, while most companies have not yet begun procurement. This situation has caused severe difficulties for farmers.
The farmers said that more than 100 companies are registered with the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB), but only three major companies are currently making purchases, while the rest remain absent from the market.
According to them, some companies are refusing to buy tobacco at the rates fixed by the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) and are instead purchasing at prices of their own choosing.
Farmers also expressed concern over the quota allocated to smaller companies, questioning who will purchase it from the growers. They added that the major companies have nearly completed their quota and are now delaying further procurement.
They said that they had extensively planted tobacco crops, but now, as the crops have become harvestable, they are unable to sell them.
They added that there is no check and balance in this connection while the PTB has closed their eyes on the situation.
They appealed to the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB), Commissioner and deputy commissioner Mardan as well as other relevant bodies to take immediate action so that relief could be provided to tobacco growers.
