Karnataka tobacco output pegged at 48.25 million kgs

Our Commodities Bureau

Hyderabad, Oct 14: Following the recent visit to the tobacco growing areas in Karnataka, the Tobacco Board has assessed and estimated that the total production of the FCV tobacco plantation will be in the order of 48.25 million kgs from the total planted area of 47,700 hectares crop with an average productivity of 1011.5 kgs/hectare.

According to executive director of Tobacco Board, KJBV Subrahmanyam,following the Tobacco Board chairman meeting the farmers of Karnataka the assessment of the board with regard to the estimated production of FCV tobacco for the year 2001-02 crop season is between 48 to 50 million kgs as against 48.50 million kgs of trade projections as indicated by the trade to the board.

He said the chairman also expressed that Karnataka tobacco is a quality growth and much-sought-after by the overseas manufacturers. The Chairman also had appealed to the trade members to participate actively in the auction sales and help the Tobacco Board to complete the auction sales by the end of December in the interest of valued importers as well domestic customers of Indian tobacco.

As on October 8, 2001, five million kgs of tobacco were sold on the floors at an average price of Rs 38.56 per kg in 28 selling days. The auction will be completed by October 20, 2001, he said.