Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh have expressed significant concerns regarding the slow procurement process during the current auction season, which began on March 25, 2026. Despite an estimated production of 232 million kg of FCV tobacco, only 13.5 million kg has been procured so far, a stark contrast to over 50 million kg procured during the same period last year. This decline is exacerbated by falling prices, with the average auction price dropping from ₹259 per kg last year to ₹233 per kg this season. The highest bids have also decreased, with the maximum price in Rajahmundry falling to ₹266 per kg from ₹456 per kg in the previous season. During a stakeholders' meeting in Guntur, Tobacco Board officials urged farmers to improve participation in auctions and bring properly graded tobacco to secure better prices. The Board has implemented weekly procurement targets for traders and plans to convene a meeting next month to discuss the crop size for the upcoming season. Despite current challenges, officials remain optimistic about future sales, citing potential increases in procurement from domestic cigarette manufacturers.