A team from the Centre’s Department of Commerce visited Andhra Pradesh to assess the market situation of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco. Led by Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav, the delegation engaged in discussions to protect the interests of tobacco growers in the state. The meeting, chaired by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, emphasized safeguarding FCV tobacco growers’ interests and exploring measures for sector stability.
The delegation also inspected the Tobacco Board Auction Platform at Vellampalli, observing the auction operations and process. Interactions with FCV tobacco growers provided valuable feedback on market conditions. Acknowledging the transparent conduct of auctions by the Tobacco Board, Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav assured growers of the Indian government’s vigilant monitoring of market developments.
India ranks fourth globally in FCV tobacco production, following China, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. It is the second-largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco by quantity, after Brazil. FCV tobacco, dried using external heat from flues, exhibits a distinctive bright yellow-orange color. The Tobacco Board’s strategic initiatives, including crop planning and production regulation, aim to meet domestic and export demands, supporting the sustainability and growth of the tobacco industry.
