India’s tobacco exports have witnessed a surge of 87 percent over the past five years, reaching a record Rs 12,005.89 crore ($1.45 billion) in the 2023-24 fiscal year, compared to Rs 6,408.15 crore in 2019-20. This remarkable growth has resulted in a more than twofold increase in farmers’ income, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Export volumes also saw a substantial increase, rising from 218.84 million kg to 315.51 million kg during the same period, the ministry said.
“As the Tobacco Board celebrates its formation day, we are proud to highlight that the earnings of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers have more than doubled between 2019-20 and 2023-24—from Rs 124.00 per kg in 2019-20 to Rs 279.54 per kg in 2023-24,” the ministry added.
The surge in international demand for Indian FCV tobacco has been a key factor driving this historic growth. This not only benefited tobacco farmers but also significantly boosted the nation’s foreign exchange earnings through exports.
India is the world’s second-largest producer of tobacco, following China, and ranks as the fourth-largest producer of FCV tobacco globally, behind China, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. Furthermore, India is the second-largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco, in terms of quantity, after Brazil.
“The 2023-24 crop season has been especially remarkable for FCV tobacco farmers across Andhra Pradesh,” the statement said.
The Tobacco Board has implemented a series of strategic measures to ensure the growth and sustainability of India’s tobacco industry. These initiatives include crop planning and regulation of production to meet both domestic and export demands.
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