In a major relief to tobacco farmers, the Government of India has announced a three-year validity for the Certificate of Registration as Virginia tobacco growers and for barn operation licences, replacing the existing annual renewal system. This measure, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business, reduces the administrative burden on farmers who previously had to renew their registrations every year.

To implement this change, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has amended sub-rules (5), (6), and (7) of Rule 33, and sub-rules (2) and (3) of Rule 34N of the Tobacco Board Rules, 1976. These amendments have been officially notified in the Gazette of India and will come into effect from the 2025–26 crop season in Andhra Pradesh.

The move is expected to benefit approximately 83,500 farmers and 91,000 barns across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Odisha. It will significantly streamline the process for those engaged in the cultivation and curing of Virginia tobacco—an industry governed by the Tobacco Board Act, 1975.

India is currently the second-largest producer and the fourth-largest exporter (by value) of unmanufactured tobacco globally. In the financial year 2024–25 alone, tobacco exports contributed US$1,979 million (Rs 167.28 million) to the Indian exchequer.

This extension in validity period marks a substantial administrative relief, further empowering growers while reinforcing India's position as a global player in the tobacco trade.