Tobacco Board has set Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco crop target for Andhra Pradesh at 81 million kg for 2026-27 season,a sharp drop from last year's target . Decision came during board's 168th meeting on June 25. Reflects market realities and seeks to safeguard farmers .
Chairman Chidipothu Yashwanth Kumar led meeting,joined by key figures like Executive Director B. Vishwashree,B. Mahesh,Member of Parliament,and Sheshu Madhav, Director of ICAR-NIRCA . Board reviewed purchase requests from buyers,looked at domestic and international trends before finalizing crop size.
Last year,target for 2025-26 FCV crop was 142 million kg,but actual production hit 236 million kg. Sluggish demand during marketing periods and weak global market conditions pushed board to slash target for coming season .
Besides cutting crop size,board decided to set up high-level committee with all stakeholders . This group will suggest reforms in auction system,procurement,crop regulation,and marketing framework. Aiming to improve FCV tobacco sector and support farmers .
