Tobacco Board Chairman joins farmers in Mysuru to celebrate World Tobacco Growers’ Day

Tobacco Board Chairman Yashwanth Kumar C. participated in the World Tobacco Growers’ Day organised jointly by the Federation of All India Farmers’ Associations (FAIFA) and International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) at Chilkunda near Mysuru on Tuesday.

The World Tobacco Growers’ Day was celebrated under the theme ‘Decent Living Income for Sustainable Tobacco Production’.

On the occasion, Mr. Kumar commended the farmers for their hard work and said that they were the strength behind India’s reputation for quality tobacco production. He stated that the Tobacco Board remains dedicated to ensuring fair prices for tobacco, market stability, and long-term sustainability.

Mr. Kumar, who interacted with farmers at the tobacco auction platforms in H.D. Kote, Chilkunda, and Hunsur, said in a post on X, “Discussions were held on the challenges faced by tobacco farmers, their experiences, and the prevailing market conditions.”

Meanwhile, FAIFA, while highlighting that some of the world’s finest Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco was produced in Karnataka, said that disciplined farming practices and quality standards had made Indian tobacco a globally trusted brand.

FAIFA joint secretary Vikram Raj Urs, in his address to the gathering on the occasion, said that tobacco cultivated in Karnataka is renowned worldwide for its superior quality and aroma. “Behind this success are the hardworking farmers of Mysuru, Hunsur, and Chamarajnagar, who brave every challenge — from unpredictable weather to rising costs — yet never give up.”

Mr. Urs used the forum to appeal to the government and the policy makers to ensure “fair and transparent pricing, access to credit and crop insurance, practical and balanced tobacco regulations, and recognition of the growers’ contribution to Indian economy.”

He also called for measuers to curb illicit trade to protect both the legal domestic market as well as the interests of millions of farming families.

Mr. Urs said that World Tobacco Growers’ Day seeks to recognise the efforts of millions of farmers who work tirelessly to produce quality leaf and support rural livelihoods.

Gopal, Regional Manager of the Tobacco Board; other board officials; and leaders of farmers’ associations attended the programme.