Tobacco Board | Tobacco Crop

Context:

Tobacco farmers income doubled over last 5 years

Tobacco Industry:

• India is the 2^nd largest producer of tobacco in the world after China.
• India is the 4^th largest producer of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco in the world after China, Brazil and Zimbabwe.
• India is the 2^nd largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco (quantity terms) after Brazil. 
• Major importers – Belgium, China, Indonesia, USA, Germany
• Production in India – Gujarat(1^st), Andhra Pradesh (2^nd) and Karnataka (3^rd)
  • Other states – Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), West Bengal (W.B.), Bihar, Tamil Nadu (T.N.) and Odisha
• Exportable varieties – Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, Burley and Oriental

Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is a type of tobacco that is primarily produced in India (Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states). It is known for its flavor and aging properties.

Tobacco Board:

• Statutory body under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975 
• Functions under – Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Mission – To strive for the overall development of tobacco growers and the Indian Tobacco Industry.
• Headquarters – Andhra Pradesh

Tobacco Crop:

• Commercial crop Introduced to India by the Portuguese
• Drought tolerant, hardy and short duration crop
• Soil – Well-drained, friable sandy loams are ideal for cultivation.
• Climate –
  • Requires a frost-free period of 90 to 120 days
  • Optimum temperature – 20 to 30°C.
• “World No Tobacco Day” – 31^st May

Source: PIB

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Previous Year Question

Which one of the following groups of plants was domesticated in the ‘New World’ and introduced into the ‘Old World’?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

(a) Tobacco, cocoa and rubber
(b) Tobacco, cotton and rubber
(c) Cotton, coffee and sugarcane
(d) Rubber, coffee and wheat

Answer: (a)

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