Over 83,500 Tobacco Farmers to Gain from Centre's 3-Year License Renewal
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Synopsis
The Centre has opted to extend the validity of the Certificate of Registration for Virginia tobacco farmers to three years, relieving over 83,000 farmers from the annual renewal process. The amendment, effective from 2025-26, aims to simplify processes for growers across several states.
Key Takeaways
- License renewal period extended to three years
- Over 83,000 farmers to benefit
- Effective from 2025-26 crop season
- Applies to states including Andhra Pradesh
- Supports the ease of business initiative
New Delhi, April 22 (NationPress) The Centre has made the decision to extend the Certificate of Registration for Virginia tobacco cultivators and the license for barn operations to a duration of 3 years instead of the current yearly renewal. This change aims to alleviate the annual renewal burden for more than 83,000 tobacco farmers across the nation, as announced by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Tuesday.
This update means that the registrations/licenses will now remain valid for 3 years, replacing the necessity of annual renewals, in line with the government’s initiative to enhance the ease of doing business, according to a statement from the ministry.
“To aid growers in renewing their registrations/licenses once every 3 years, the Government of India has revised sub-rule(5), (6), and (7) of rule 33 along with sub-rule (2) and (3) of rule 34N, outlined in the Tobacco Board Rules, 1976. This amendment has been published in the Gazette of India by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and will take effect from the 2025-26 crop season in Andhra Pradesh,” the statement highlighted.
This extension from one year to three years is expected to significantly assist approximately 83,500 farmers managing around 91,000 barns in renewing their registrations/licenses throughout Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Odisha states, as stated.
Virginia tobacco is governed in India by the Tobacco Board Act, 1975 and the associated rules. According to this act, any grower wishing to cultivate Virginia tobacco must secure a certificate of registration and a barn operation license. The Tobacco Board is responsible for facilitating this process.
India stands as the second largest producer and fourth largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco globally, in terms of value. The exports of tobacco contributed $1,979 million (Rs 16,728 crore) to the Indian economy during the financial year 2024-25, the statement concluded.
