New Delhi, July 26 (IANS). A team from the Commerce Department of the Center visited Andhra Pradesh and reviewed the current market situation of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco. The visit also included discussions to protect the interests of tobacco growers in the state.
The central government delegation led by Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav on Saturday met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Participated in the meeting chaired by Chandrababu Naidu. Chairman and Executive Director of Tobacco Board were also present in this meeting.
The discussion focused on long-term measures to protect the interests of FCV tobacco producers and ensure sustainability in the FCV tobacco sector.
The delegation also visited the Tobacco Board auction platform at Velampalli, where they observed the ongoing auction processes and reviewed the auction process.
The authorities held extensive interactions with FCV tobacco producers to obtain direct feedback on current market conditions.
The delegation appreciated the transparent and systematic conduct of the auction by the Tobacco Board.
Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav assured the producers that the Government of India is keeping a close watch on the changing market situation.
He said the Central Government in coordination with the Andhra Pradesh Government, Tobacco Board and other stakeholders is actively examining appropriate measures to protect the interests of FCV tobacco farmers.
India is the fourth largest producer of FCV tobacco in the world after China, Brazil and Zimbabwe.
India is the second largest exporter of unprocessed tobacco by volume after Brazil.
FCV tobacco is dried with outdoor heat from chimneys rather than open fires or direct sunlight, causing the leaves to turn a bright yellow-lemon to orange color.
The Tobacco Board has undertaken several strategic activities to ensure sustainability and growth of the tobacco industry. These include crop planning and regulation of production to meet both domestic and export demands.
The efficient and transparent electronic auction system being implemented by the Tobacco Board for the sale of tobacco produced by farmers has helped in achieving the Central Government’s target of doubling farmers’ income in the FCV tobacco sector.
The Board provides assistance to farmers to produce tobacco of required quality to meet the standards of importing countries.
–IANS
ms/
