Andhra looks to have produced above-target crop

Flue-cured tobacco production in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is likely to reach 190-200 million kg, according to a story in the latest issue of the BBM Bommidala Group newsletter quoting initial estimates.

The Tobacco Board of India had set a crop target of 172 million kg for the state.

Meanwhile, the Indian Tobacco Association is seeking to have the start of flue-cured auctions in Andhra, which was set for the third week of February, delayed until those in the state of Karnataka are finished.

Ninety six days into the Karnataka auction season, 49.52 million kg of flue-cured had been sold for an average price of Rs113.60 per kg.

The Board’s target is 102 million kg.