Tobacco Board of India

GS 3 – Economy

The Tobacco Board of India has been actively engaged in strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainability and growth of the tobacco industry in India.

About Tobacco Board of India:

• Established: 1st January 1976, under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975 (Act 4 of 1975).
• Leadership: The Board is headed by a Chairman and operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Headquarters: Located in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Functions of the Tobacco Board:

1. Export Promotion: The Board promotes tobacco exports and regulates the production and distribution of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco for both domestic and international markets.
2. Farmer Support: The Board helps ensure the smooth operation of the tobacco farming system, providing fair prices to farmers and financial assistance for quality tobacco production.
3. Sustainability and Development: The Board supports sustainable tobacco farming practices by engaging in activities that promote environmentally friendly and economically viable farming.
4. Quality Assurance: The Board assists farmers in producing tobacco that meets the standards of importing countries.

India’s Tobacco Industry:

• Global Standing: India is the 2nd largest producer of tobacco in the world, after China.
• FCV Tobacco Production: India is the 4th largest producer of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, following China, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.
• Tobacco Exports: India is the 2nd largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco (by quantity) after Brazil.