Feb. 17 opening for Andhra auctions

Flue-cured tobacco auctions are scheduled to begin on Feb. 17 in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, according to a story in the latest issue of the BBM Bommidala Group’s newsletter, quoting the Tobacco Board of India Chairman Koothati Gopal.

The chairman said that every effort was being made to conclude the flue-cured tobacco auctions in the state of Karnataka by that date.

The Andhra crop has been fixed at 172 million kg, a figure set by the board following discussions with the Indian Tobacco Association, which represents tobacco dealers, exporters and manufacturers.

Based on what has happened in Karnataka, Andhra growers are expecting much higher prices this year than they received last year.