China firms may buy FCV tobacco

Chinese tobacco companies are expected to place substantial orders for Mysore FCV (Flue Cured Virginia or traditional tobacco) tobacco this crop season.

According to a Tobacco Board official, the Chinese tobacco firms have already assessed the Karnataka crop.

"This is the second year that Chinese tobacco buyers are showing interest in Mysore FCV tobacco. In 2006, they bought between 100 and 200 tonnes," he added.

The reason for big Chinese presence is being attributed to Tobacco Board recently facilitating a Chinese delegation's tour of Karnataka's tobacco growing region to find new markets for the produce.

In addition to Chinese tobacco buyers, BAT, Philip Morris, Imperial Tobacco and Japan Tobacco, which buy Mysore FCV tobacco regularly, are also expected to place higher orders.

The official said as on November 7, the Tobacco Board had marketed 39.34 million kg with average price fetching Rs 56.65 per kg.

In the same period last year, about 27.24 million kgs were marketed with price realisation of Rs 61.12 per kg.

Following are grade wise prices at auction platforms as on November 5 in different auction platforms.

HD Kote - Bright grades 10.18 lakh kg (average price Rs 66.22 per kg), medium grades 13.73 lakh kg (Rs 57.03 per kg), low grades 5.43 lakh kg (Rs 41.34 per kg).

Hunsur I - Bright grades 12.25 lakh kg (Rs 66.82 per kg), medium grades 16.93 lakh kg (Rs 60.13 per kg), low grades 11.07 lakh kg (Rs 42.02 per kg). Hunsur II - Bright grades 8.64 lakh kg (Rs 66.03 per kg), medium grades 19.50 lakh kg (Rs 57.55 per kg), low grades 10.23 lakh kg (Rs 40.47 per kg).

Periyapatna I - Bright grades 14.07 lakh kg (Rs 66.39 per kg), medium grades 16.63 lakh kg (Rs 59.28 per kg), low grades 10.88 lakh kg (Rs 41.93 per kg). Periyapatna II - Bright grades 13.02 lakh kg (Rs 67.19 per kg), medium grades 15.95 lakh kg (Rs 60.84 per kg), low grades 8.72 lakh kg (Rs 40.69 per kg).

Periyapatna III - Bright grades 10.79 lakh kg (Rs 66.89 per kg), medium grades 18.20 lakh kg (Rs 59.65 per kg), low grades 8.94 lakh kg (Rs 41.47 per kg).

Kampalapura I - Bright grades 11.98 lakh kgs (Rs 66.77 per kg), Medium grades 16.72 lakh kgs (Rs 59.04 per kg), Low grades 9.23 lakh kgs (Rs 40.95 per kg).

Kampalapura II - Bright grades 10.07 lakh kgs (Rs 66.36 per kg), Medium grades 12.75 lakh kgs (Rs 57.52 per kg), Low grades 8.34 lakh kgs (Rs 40.48 per kg).

Ramanathpura I - Bright grades 13.08 lakh kgs (Rs 66.91 per kg), Medium grades 16.67 lakh kgs (Rs 58.39 per kg), Low grades 12.90 lakh kgs (Rs 40.36 per kg). Ramanathpura II - Bright grades 10 lakh kgs (Rs 66.39 per kg), Medium grades 12.72 lakh kgs (Rs 56.92 per kg), Low grades 7.94 lakh kgs (Rs 39.22 per kg).