Guntur | June 15, 2025
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a key meeting today with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Guntur, focusing on pressing economic and trade-related issues specific to the state.
The high-level discussions revolved around tobacco procurement policies, import duties on palm oil, challenges in aqua exports, and GST concerns on mango pulp. Chief Minister Naidu voiced serious concerns about the falling prices of tobacco, emphasizing the need for Centre-State cooperation in supporting farmers through direct procurement mechanisms. He also urged the Union government to take a more proactive role in reforming the Tobacco Board for improved transparency and farmer welfare.
On the edible oil front, Naidu criticized the reduced import duties on palm oil, arguing that they are hurting domestic producers, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. He requested a policy review to ensure alignment with the objectives of the National Edible Oils Mission and the broader goal of self-reliance in oil production.
The Chief Minister further raised the issue of aqua farmers facing international tariffs, especially from the United States, which has led to a significant decline in shrimp and seafood exports. He sought diplomatic intervention from the Centre to negotiate tariff relief and preserve the livelihoods of thousands of coastal farmers.
Additionally, Naidu called for a reduction in GST on mango pulp, stating that the current tax structure is undermining the competitiveness of India’s processed fruit industry in global markets.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Piyush Goyal assured full support from the Central Government and promised that the issues discussed would be examined on priority. He emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture-export ecosystem and ensuring policy frameworks that support farmers and exporters alike.
