Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco

SEO Title: Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco: Features, Production, Curing Process and India

Category: Agriculture | Economy | Crops | Commercial Crops

UPSC Notes

Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is a major type of tobacco used extensively in cigarette manufacturing. It is cured in specially designed barns using heated air.

Key Pointers

  • FCV = Flue Cured Virginia.

  • Important commercial tobacco variety.

  • Curing process:

    • Leaves are hung in curing barns.

    • Heated air is circulated through flues.

    • Leaves develop characteristic yellow/golden colour.

  • Major Indian production areas:

    • Andhra Pradesh

    • Karnataka

  • India is an important producer and exporter of tobacco.

  • The Tobacco Board regulates and supports aspects of tobacco production and marketing.

  • Important export commodity.

  • Tobacco cultivation is associated with concerns regarding:

    • Health

    • Soil

    • Water

    • Crop diversification

Prelims Focus: FCV → flue curing → Andhra Pradesh + Karnataka → Tobacco Board.