Tobacco is a significant commercial crop in India, contributing to the country’s economy through domestic consumption and exports. India is the second-largest producer and exporter of tobacco globally, after China. Tobacco cultivation provides livelihood opportunities to millions of farmers, traders, and workers involved in its processing and trade.
The major tobacco-producing states in India include Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Tobacco varieties grown in India are classified into different types based on their usage, curing methods, and regional preferences, such as Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV), Bidi Tobacco, Chewing Tobacco, Hookah Tobacco, Rustica, and Cigar Wrapper Tobacco.
This article highlights more than 10 top tobacco varieties grown in India, their characteristics, and regions of cultivation.
1. N-98 (FCV Tobacco)
N-98 is a popular variety of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco cultivated for export purposes.
- Type: Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV)
- Regions: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- High nicotine content with bright leaf color.
- Used primarily in cigarettes.
- Suitable for mechanized curing processes.
- Uses: Cigarette manufacturing and export markets.
2. Jayasree (FCV Tobacco)
Jayasree is an FCV variety known for its high leaf yield and quality.
- Type: Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV)
- Regions: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Medium nicotine content and high sugar levels.
- Produces bright, high-quality cured leaves.
- Uses: Cigarette production and export.
3. Abirami (Chewing Tobacco)
Abirami is a popular variety used for producing chewing tobacco and pan masala.
- Type: Chewing Tobacco
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- High leaf thickness and strong flavor.
- Suitable for chewing and processed tobacco products.
- Uses: Pan masala, gutkha, and chewing tobacco.
4. Dharla (Bidi Tobacco)
Dharla is a widely grown variety for bidi production due to its unique leaf structure.
- Type: Bidi Tobacco
- Regions: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Small to medium-sized leaves with strong veins.
- Preferred for hand-rolled bidi manufacturing.
- Uses: Bidi production.
5. Anand-119 (Bidi Tobacco)
Anand-119 is a high-yielding bidi tobacco variety developed for productivity and leaf quality.
- Type: Bidi Tobacco
- Regions: Gujarat, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Medium nicotine content with fine texture.
- Good curing and leaf quality for bidi wrapping.
- Uses: Bidi manufacturing.
6. GT-7 (Chewing Tobacco)
GT-7 is a high-yielding variety suited for chewing tobacco production.
- Type: Chewing Tobacco
- Regions: Gujarat, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Large and thick leaves with dark green color.
- High nicotine and flavor intensity.
- Uses: Chewing tobacco and processed tobacco products.
7. Swarna (Hookah Tobacco)
Swarna is a premium variety grown for hookah tobacco production.
- Type: Hookah Tobacco
- Regions: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Large leaves with strong and smoky flavor.
- Suitable for traditional hookah tobacco blends.
- Uses: Hookah and pipe tobacco.
8. Bhairavi (Rustica Tobacco)
Bhairavi is a variety of Nicotiana rustica, a type grown for its strong nicotine content.
- Type: Rustica Tobacco
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
- Characteristics:
- Small, thick leaves with very high nicotine levels.
- Used in chewing tobacco and local cigars.
- Uses: Chewing tobacco, snuff, and cigars.
9. Hema (Cigar Wrapper Tobacco)
Hema is cultivated for its fine-quality leaves, ideal for cigar wrappers.
- Type: Cigar Wrapper Tobacco
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, West Bengal
- Characteristics:
- Large, smooth leaves with fine veins.
- Low nicotine content for mild flavor.
- Uses: Cigar production.
10. VT-1158 (FCV Tobacco)
VT-1158 is a high-yielding variety of FCV tobacco with export potential.
- Type: Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV)
- Regions: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Bright-colored leaves with moderate nicotine.
- Tolerant to pest infestations and diseases.
- Uses: Cigarette manufacturing and exports.
11. Lalchhap (Hookah Tobacco)
Lalchhap is a widely grown variety for traditional hookah tobacco production in eastern regions.
- Type: Hookah Tobacco
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
- Characteristics:
- Thick, dark green leaves with a strong flavor.
- Preferred for long-burning hookah blends.
- Uses: Traditional hookah and smoking tobacco.
India’s tobacco cultivation is vital for the economy, offering employment to millions and catering to domestic and international markets. Varieties like N-98, Jayasree, Dharla, Swarna, and Hema have been developed for specific uses such as cigarettes, bidis, chewing, and hookah tobacco. With sustainable practices and regulated farming, the tobacco industry continues to support the livelihood of farmers while addressing market demands.
FAQs
Q1: Which state is the largest producer of tobacco in India?
A: Andhra Pradesh is the largest tobacco-producing state, followed by Karnataka and Gujarat.
Q2: What are the major types of tobacco grown in India?
A: The major types include Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV), Bidi Tobacco, Chewing Tobacco, Hookah Tobacco, Rustica Tobacco, and Cigar Wrapper Tobacco.
Q3: Which variety is commonly used for bidi production?
A: Dharla and Anand-119 are widely used for bidi production due to their leaf quality.
Q4: What is the difference between FCV tobacco and Rustica tobacco?
A: FCV Tobacco (e.g., N-98, Jayasree) is flue-cured and used for cigarette production, while Rustica Tobacco (e.g., Bhairavi) has higher nicotine content and is used for chewing, snuff, and cigars.
Q5: Which variety is suitable for hookah tobacco production?
A: Swarna and Lalchhap are popular varieties for hookah tobacco production due to their strong flavor and large leaves.
Q6: Is tobacco cultivation legal in India?
A: Yes, tobacco cultivation is legal in India, but it is regulated by the Tobacco Board of India and various state policies.
