A team 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. During the visit, the delegation participated in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, in the presence of 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 also visited the Tobacco Board Auction Platform at Vellampalli, where it observed the ongoing auction operations and reviewed the auction process. The officers interacted extensively with FCV tobacco growers to obtain first-hand feedback on the 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 the growers that the Government of India is closely monitoring the evolving market situation. He said 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.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Garima Singh/ Ishita Biswas