According to the Tobacco board, the exports of the agricultural commodity surged by 22% in the April-Aug 2012 period. Nearly 74,497 tonnes of Virginia tobacco valued at Rs 1,223.69 crore were exported against 57,857 tonnes valued at Rs 911.29 crore in the same period last year.
India has emerged as a dependable supplier of various types of tobacco grown in the world, with the pesticide residue level being the lowest. To produce tobacco scientifically for higher yield and to suit the requirements of buyers abroad, the Tobacco Board, via its network of extension staff, is educating FCV (flue cured Virginia) farmers.
FCV tobacco exports in August stood at 16,475 tonnes worth Rs 306.25 crore against 6,438 tonnes valued at Rs 101.66 crore in August 2011. Belgium, Indonesia, Russia, Korea, the Netherlands, the UK, the UAE, Nigeria, Vietnam, Nepal, South Africa and France were the major destinations for Indian exports.