Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Reddy has publicly criticized the current state government's handling of tobacco procurement. Reddy argues that the government should immediately authorize Markfed, a state-run cooperative marketing federation, to intervene in the market. He contends that this action is necessary to ensure fair prices for tobacco farmers who are currently struggling with market fluctuations.

In response to these demands, a state minister has pushed back against the proposal. The government maintains that the current procurement mechanisms are sufficient and has characterized Reddy’s call for Markfed intervention as politically motivated rather than a practical solution for the agricultural sector. While Reddy insists that state intervention is the only way to protect farmers from exploitation by private buyers, the government suggests that such measures could disrupt existing market dynamics. The disagreement highlights a broader tension regarding the state's role in regulating agricultural commodities and the extent to which government agencies should compete with private market forces.