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India: FCV Tobacco Exports Touch Rs.6,059.3 Crore Source from: The Hindu 05/26/2014 ![]() Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco continues to be top grosser in exports, netting a foreign exchange of Rs.6,059.31 crore for the financial 2013-2014 year. The FCV tobacco exports touched a record 2,64,384 tonnes this year, out of which 2,34,850 tonnes were unmanufactured tobacco. The highest tobacco export of 1,74,274 tonnes valued at $675.35 million was recorded in 2009-2010 fiscal year. "This is the highest earning from tobacco exports with the increase in 2 to 3 per cent in terms of volume, 28 per cent higher than last year in terms of rupee value and 15 per cent higher in terms of dollar value," according to Tobacco Board Chairman Koothati Gopal. Indian tobacco continues to be a hot favourite for the importers, with the semi-flavoured variety and the natural filter topping the bill for their flexibility to blend with any flavour. The Board has taken care to produce clean and superior quality tobacco free from Non-Tobacco Related Material (NTRM). Export scenario West Europe imports 34 per cent of FCV tobacco, followed by East Europe (14 per cent), Middle East (11 per cent), South and South East Asia (20 per cent), North and South America (8 per cent) and Africa (13 per cent). "We have been making a consistent effort to build a brand for Indian tobacco by taking part in international trade fairs and Global Tobacco Networking Forum (GTNF), Cape Town, South Africa," said Mr. Gopal. Andhra Pradesh produces 180 million kg of tobacco followed by Karnataka (100 million kg). Auctions in A.P began in March and are expected to be completed by the end of July. Farmers are happy lot with a steady increase in the average prices which stand at Rs.121 per kg, an increase of Rs.7 over last year's price. The highest price for the bright grade tobacco was recorded at Rs.176 per kg. e-auction The introduction of e-auction had ensured transparency in the auctioning, minimising the impact of cartels in influencing the process, Mr. Gopal said. Enditem |