A delegation from the Department of Commerce, led by Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav, visited Andhra Pradesh on July 25 to review the prevailing market situation of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco and assess measures to safeguard the interests of growers.
During the visit, the delegation attended a meeting chaired by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The meeting was also attended by the Chairman and Executive Director of the Tobacco Board, with discussions focusing on the challenges facing the FCV tobacco sector and long-term measures to ensure market stability.
The delegation later visited the Tobacco Board Auction Platform at Vellampalli, where officials reviewed the ongoing auction process and observed auction operations. The team also interacted with FCV tobacco growers to gather first-hand feedback on prevailing market conditions.
Officials appreciated the transparent and orderly conduct of the auctions by the Tobacco Board, noting the role of the auction system in ensuring fair price discovery for farmers.
Addressing farmers, Yadav said the Centre was closely monitoring the evolving market situation and was committed to protecting the interests of FCV tobacco farmers. He said the Government of India, in coordination with the Andhra Pradesh government, the Tobacco Board and other stakeholders, was actively examining appropriate measures to address the challenges facing the sector.
The Centre said it would continue to assess market developments and consider suitable interventions aimed at ensuring stability in the FCV tobacco sector.
