Flue Cured Virginia

Virginia tobacco, commonly known as Cigarette Tobacco, is primarily grown in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan. It is cultivated in two major regions:

• Plain Areas: Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, and Malakand Agency

  • Area: 20,000+ hectares

  • Production: 48 million kg+

  • Chemical Composition: Nicotine (1.3–2.5%), Reducing Sugar (9–16%), Chloride (0.75–0.90%)

• Sub-Mountain Areas: Buner and Mansehra

  • Area: 6,000+ hectares

  • Production: 12 million kg+

  • Chemical Composition: Nicotine (1.3–2.8%), Reducing Sugar (12–18%), Chloride (0.60–0.80%)

  • Texture: Medium to open-grained with a firm leaf structure

Usage: Primarily used in the manufacture of cigarettes.

Soil & Season: Best suited to loamy soils, with a growing season from March to September.

Production Control: Regulated based on demand from tobacco companies. Crop size is finalized after official demand figures are published.

Grower Practices: Farmers also serve as nursery growers, build conventional barns, and curing is managed by trained curers/firemen.

Economic Importance: Virginia tobacco is a profitable cash crop, fulfilling domestic demand with a portion allocated for export.

Support: Growers receive ongoing assistance and guidance from the Tobacco Board to ensure quality and sustainability.