A delegation from the Department of Commerce, Government of India, led by Additional Secretary Shri Nitin Kumar Yadav, visited Andhra Pradesh on 25 July 2026 to review the prevailing market situation of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco. The team participated in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, which was also attended by the Chairman and Executive Director of the Tobacco Board. The discussions focused on safeguarding the interests of FCV tobacco growers and exploring long-term measures to ensure stability in the FCV tobacco sector.
The delegation visited the Tobacco Board Auction Platform at Vellampalli to observe ongoing auction operations and review the auction process. Officers interacted extensively with FCV tobacco growers to obtain first-hand feedback on prevailing market conditions. The delegation appreciated the transparent and orderly conduct of the auctions by the Tobacco Board.
Additional Secretary Shri Nitin Kumar Yadav assured growers that the Government of India is closely monitoring the evolving market situation. He stated that in coordination with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the Tobacco Board, and other stakeholders, the government is actively examining appropriate measures to safeguard the interests of FCV tobacco farmers.