Andhra auctions end on a high note

Flue-cured prices in some districts of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh soared during the just-concluded auctions there, according to the most recent issue of the BBM Bommidala Group newsletter.

Prices went as high as INR200 a kg in West Godavari, while the statewide average for the season was INR145 a kg.

The Tobacco Board of India has set the Andhra crop target for the 2013–2014 season at 172 million kg, an increase of 2 million kg on that of 2012–2013.

The board is keen for growers to keep to their production quotas but is probably wary given some of the prices paid at the just-concluded sales.

Officials are likely to keep an eye on nurseries to try to limit unauthorized output.