India's Tobacco Trade Hits New Heights: A Bumper Year for Exports

India's tobacco exports are set to grow over 8% surpassing Rs 13,000 crore this year, driven by strategic activities from the Tobacco Board. India stands as the second largest tobacco producer globally, significantly contributing to foreign exchange. The Board supports thousands of farmers, enhancing income and ensuring quality control.

India's tobacco exports are projected to experience over 8% growth, surpassing Rs 13,000 crore this year, according to Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce. This achievement reflects India's position as the world's second-largest tobacco producer.

The Tobacco Board, a key player in this success, has implemented various strategies to support farmers and enhance their income. Among these are crop planning, production regulation, and an IT-enabled electronic auctioning system for Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, the predominant component in cigarettes. The board aids approximately 80,000 to 85,000 farmers in meeting export standards.

In addition, the Tobacco Board's initiatives have more than doubled FCV farmers' earnings over the past five years. Notably, India maintains a balanced production approach, adhering to international health conventions such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

(With inputs from agencies.)