Karnataka auctions might be shortened

The Tobacco Board of India is reportedly contemplating speeding up flue-cured auctions in Karnataka, India, so that they are finished by the end of January, according to a story in the latest issue of the BBM Bommidala newsletter.

Normally, Karnataka auctions finish in February.

But with average prices climbing by more than 21 percent on those of last season, the board is said to be considering advancing the auctions so as “to prevent [unspecified] unscrupulous trade practices.”

“We are planning to move forward the auctions so that farmers will not need to keep the produce for a longer time,” Board Chairman K. Gopal was quoted as saying.

“The e-auctions system introduced on auction platforms has worked well as it kept unfair trade practices away.”