In response to farmers’ demands, the Tobacco Board — which regulates the Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) variety — has announced plans to seek a legal amendment to include non-FCV varieties as well, aiming to secure better returns for growers.

Currently, non-FCV varieties account for 70 per cent of the 1,109 million kg (mkg) of tobacco produced annually in the country. Addressing a consultation meeting of tobacco farmers, organised by the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) in New Delhi, Yashwant Kumar Chidipothu, Chairman of Tobacco Board, saidhe supports the farmers’ demand as non-FCV growers are excluded from benefits available to FCV growers.

He said the Board will take up the issue with the Department of Commerce to make suitable changes in the law. Asked whether regulatio

See Full Page