The controversy over tobacco price was settled down amicably, as buying season started peacefully amidst an increase of Rs 4 per kg that finally brought the much needed respite to the farmers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The tobacco growers are appreciating the increase in price of tobacco for the current year. They are expressing gratitude to Minister of State Abbas Khan Afridi who went out of the way for increase despite not very favourable circumstances.
However, there have been few incidences reported which were of insignificant nature. Some of the protesters misguided by vested interest tried to create uneasy situation but soon the calm prevailed and everything came back to normal.
The realisation among farmers' community was clear that some unscrupulous elements were playing at the hands of others and they will be the ones to suffer should they did not come out of their influence.
Due to prevailing law and order situation the manufacturing companies have decided to write to the Commissioner Mardan Region to provide necessary security in various areas at the buying stations. Various farmers' organisations in Swabi and Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have threatened of dire consequences to the cigarette manufacturers if their demands for increase of tobacco rates were not met.