DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES

Tobacco Board having a wide network of qualified and trained technical staff plays a crucial role in improving yield and quality of FCV tobacco. The Board implements various extension and developmental schemes for improving yield and quality of tobacco in collaboration with Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI), Rajahmundry and Research & Developmental wings of tobacco companies in private sector. As a part of dissemination of latest crop production technologies, the Board provides a gamut of extension services viz., training to farmers, study tours, on-farm trials, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), energy conservation measures in tobacco curing and post harvest product hygiene to ensure product integrity. 

Model Project Area Scheme

The Board had launched an ambitious scheme known as “Model Project Area Scheme” in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka under the guidance and supervision of retired tobacco scientists of CTRI, Rajahmundry so as to develop market oriented production base through adoption of good agricultural practices.

Tobacco Quality Circles

The Board had introduced a novel concept known as – “Tobacco Quality Circles (TQC)” – first of its kind in agricultural sector for improvement of yields and enhancement of quality of tobacco with the active involvement of front line farmers. The scheme is designed to help facilitate sharing of experiences and success stories amongst farmers.

Tray Seedlings

Tobacco Board is propagating new seedling production techniques viz., tray seedlings for uniform crop stand in co-ordination with research organisations. The significant feature of the concept of tray seedlings is that the seedlings are grown in soil free plant based medium called ‘coco-peat' which will help prevent incidence of soil borne diseases.

Integrated Watershed Projects

Tobacco Board focused its attention on micro-irrigation projects viz., drip system in Northern light soils of West Godavari district and integrated watershed projects for creation of farm ponds in southern light soils of Prakasam & Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh so as to provide life saving irrigation to improving yields and quality of tobacco in collaboration with Govt. of Andhra Pradesh.

Trade Participation in Crop Development

Tobacco Board had successfully roped in some international tobacco merchants and domestic manufacturers to take up low productivity areas for agronomical development with a view to improving quality and thus promote exports.

Insurance facilities

Tobacco Board facilitated Group personal accident policy and Barn insurance policies to the registered tobacco growers of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharastra and Orissa at very competitive rates.

Awards to Growers

Tobacco Board honours the best growers for achieving higher yields every year as a step towards inculcating a spirit of competition among the growers.