UPSC Prelims & Mains
PIB Snippets
27 July 2026
PIB Snippets — 27 July 2026
Today’s PIB digest: Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco & the Tobacco Board
FCV Tobacco Belt
Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka
India’s Global Rank
2nd Largest Producer & Exporter
Tobacco Varieties
10 types across 15 States
Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco
Key Facts: FCV tobacco is an important commercial tobacco variety cultivated in India, predominantly grown during the Kharif season under rainfed conditions.
Cultivation
- FCV tobacco grows mainly on red sandy loam soils.
- Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the principal FCV tobacco producing States.
- FCV tobacco grown in Karnataka Light Soils is called Mysore style tobacco.
Curing Process
- Curing prepares harvested tobacco leaves for commercial marketing.
- The process removes moisture and develops desirable leaf quality characteristics.
Tobacco Cultivation in India
Major Types
India cultivates ten distinct tobacco varieties across different agro-climatic regions. Cigarette tobacco includes FCV, Burley and Oriental varieties; non-cigarette tobacco includes bidi, chewing, hookah and cigar tobacco.
Production Pattern
Tobacco cultivation extends across 15 States in India. India is the world’s second largest producer and exporter of tobacco.
Tobacco Board — Functions & Role
- The Tobacco Board supports the development of India’s tobacco sector.
- It administers the Grower Welfare Fund for tobacco growers.
- The Board provides financial assistance during crop distress situations.
- It promotes the welfare of registered FCV tobacco growers.
Source: PIB
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India
