The Tobacco Board decided in a recent meeting on Tuesday to set the crop size for Andhra Pradesh at 142 million kg for the agriculture year 2023-24. Farmers, traders, and the Indian Tobacco Association all actively participated in the conference, proposing a larger crop size of 170 million kg.
However, after careful consideration of factors such as crop estimations in Karnataka, future market trends, and export projections, the board opted to retain the same crop size as the previous year.
The decision to limit the crop size to 142 million kg was taken with the aim of maintaining stability in the tobacco industry. By assessing the crop estimations in Karnataka, the board gained valuable insights into the overall tobacco production landscape, allowing them to make a prudent decision that would safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved.
Tobacco Board Chairman D.V. Swamy, along with Executive Director Addanki Sridhar Babu and Director of Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI), Rajahmundry, Magunta Seshu Madhav, actively participated in the meeting, contributing their expertise and insights to the discussion.
In an effort to ensure inclusivity, some members, like G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, joined the meeting through a video link, making it possible for stakeholders from different locations to participate effectively.
However, amid the productive discussions on crop size, the election of the Tobacco Board Vice-Chairman encountered a delay due to a lack of consensus among the stakeholders. The board acknowledged the importance of addressing any concerns and ensuring a transparent and fair process for the election.
With the crop size fixed at 142 million kg, tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh can now plan their cultivation accordingly. The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the state's economy, as tobacco is a crucial cash crop in the region, contributing to the livelihoods of numerous farmers and traders.
