Vijayawada, Aug. 18 -- Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K Acchennaidu on Tuesday instructed the officials to expedite the purchase of FCV tobacco.
The Minister reviewed the latest FCV (Flue-Cured Virginia) tobacco auctions and purchases with senior officials of the Tobacco Board and urged faster procurement to ensure better returns for farmers.
The officials told the minister that 117 auctions have been completed so far, resulting in purchases of about 60 million kilograms and that the average price is holding at around Rs.210 per kg.
They explained to the Minister that the tobacco procurement had been expedited with daily sales rising to an average of 1.5 to 2 million kg and the proportion of no-bids has steadily declined.
The minis...