Low purchase prices have marked the beginning of this year's tobacco purchase campaign in the Eastern Rhodopes. Currently in the municipality of Kirkovo, which used to be the largest producer of oriental tobacco, the average price per kilogram is about 4 euros.

According to the producers, this is too low and some of them refuse to sell their tobacco, BNR correspondent Valya Apostolova has reported. Tobacco production in Kirkovo has been declining over the years, both due to low purchase prices and the lack of government subsidies.

According to mayors in the region, a price below 5 euros per kilogram was mocking the work of people, as everything in this country has become more expensive.