Tobacco

News-The Government has amended the Tobacco Board Rules, 1976, extending the registration validity for Virginia tobacco growers from 1 year to 3 years.

About Tobacco

• Origin: Thought to have originated in South America.
• Agro-Climatic Requirements
  • Temperature: Ideally between 20°C to 27°C
  • Rainfall: Requires a minimum of 500 mm; not suitable above 1200 mm
  • Soil: Prefers sandy or sandy loam soils
  • Frost-free period: Between 90 and 120 days

Tobacco Production in India

• India’s Status:
  • 2nd largest producer of tobacco globally (after China)
  • 4th largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco
• Key Producing States:
  • Gujarat (accounts for nearly 30% of national output)
  • Also grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar

Tobacco Board of India A statutory body formed under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975 Administered by: Ministry of Commerce and Industry Headquarters: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh Functions of the Board: Monitors Virginia tobacco markets to provide fair and remunerative prices to growers and control market volatility Establishes auction platforms for the sale of Virginia tobacco by registered growers Supports research (scientific, technological, and economic) for the industry’s growth Conducts extension and development activities to promote sustainable tobacco farming