Govt examining measures to safeguard FCV tobacco farmers of AP: Govt

New Delhi: The government is actively examining appropriate measures to safeguard the interests of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers, the commerce and industry ministry said Sunday, after a team from the ministry visited Andhra Pradesh on July 25 to review the prevailing market situation of the sector.

During the visit, discussions were focussed on safeguarding the interests of FCV tobacco growers and exploring long-term measures to ensure stability in the sector.

The talks come amid issues faced by farmers cultivating FCV tobacco in the state following the revised taxation policy on cigarettes, which came into effect from February 1, 2026.


The delegation participated in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu, according to the ministry.

“Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav assured the growers that the government of India is closely monitoring the evolving market situation... the government is actively examining appropriate measures to safeguard the interests of FCV tobacco farmers,” it said.

The delegation also visited the Tobacco Board Auction Platform at Vellampalli, where it observed the ongoing auction operations and reviewed the auction process.