Centre reviews AP FCV tobacco marketing season, focuses on exports and growers’ welfare
Hyderabad, July 10 (UNI): A high-level team from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday reviewed the ongoing Andhra Pradesh Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco Marketing Season 2025-26, with discussions focusing on procurement, exports and measures to safeguard the interests of tobacco growers.
The review meeting, held in Hyderabad, was led by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Nitin Kumar Yadav, IAS, and attended by tobacco growers, manufacturers, exporters, dealers, trade associations and officials of the Tobacco Board.
The meeting reviewed the prevailing market situation and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to protecting the interests of FCV tobacco growers while strengthening the sector’s marketing ecosystem.
Discussions centred on measures to accelerate procurement, facilitate exports and improve the overall functioning of the FCV tobacco sector.
The participants also reviewed initiatives including restructuring of the Tobacco Board, enhancement of benefits under the Growers’ Welfare Fund, simplification of registration procedures, digital initiatives and the introduction of AI-based grading.
The meeting also discussed expanding export opportunities in international markets and promoting crop diversification in suitable regions.
Nitin Kumar Yadav expressed confidence that coordinated efforts by all stakeholders would enhance the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of India’s FCV tobacco sector.
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