🚜 NIRCA Replaces CTRI: ICAR Expands Focus to Commercial Crops
Tobacco Institute Rebranded to Reflect New Agricultural Mandate

🌱 A New Chapter for Agricultural Research in India

In a strategic move, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has officially renamed the Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI) in Rajahmundry to the National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (NIRCA).
This change represents a shift from a tobacco-exclusive focus to a broader agricultural mission — now including turmeric, chilli, castor, and ashwagandha 🌿.

🕰️ Historical Background

• 1930s: Tobacco research began with the Cigarette Tobacco Research Station in Guntur
• 1947: CTRI was founded to advance tobacco science
• 1965: ICAR took control of the institute
• Now in 2025, ICAR rebrands CTRI into NIRCA, widening its research scope

🎯 NIRCA’s New Mandate

NIRCA will focus on:

• Research and Development in multiple high-value crops
• Promoting sustainability in commercial agriculture
• Capacity building for farmers and scientists
• Strengthening market linkage for domestic and export-oriented crops 🌾📈

🚬 Tobacco’s Place in Indian Agriculture

• Grown in 15+ states, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu
• Varieties include:
  • Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) – Main export type
  • Bidi tobacco – Popular in rural India
  • Hookah & chewing tobacco – For domestic consumption

📊 Economic Footprint

• 45.7 million people rely on tobacco for livelihoods
• Generates high excise revenue and foreign exchange earnings
• India is the 2nd largest producer and exports around 6% of global tobacco volume

🌍 Key export destinations:

• UK
• Germany
• South Africa

🌾 Ideal Conditions for Tobacco

• Requires tropical/sub-tropical climates
• Grows well in sandy loam soils
• Needs a temperature range of 16–35°C and adequate rainfall
• Frost-sensitive crop ❄️🚫

⚖️ Balancing Growth & Sustainability

While tobacco remains economically significant, it raises:

• Public health concerns 😷
• Environmental risks 🌍

NIRCA’s new direction encourages diversification and sustainable farming practices — making the agricultural sector more resilient to climate change and shifting market trends. 🌿

🔮 Looking Ahead

The transformation from CTRI to NIRCA marks a visionary step by ICAR.
With its expanded scope, NIRCA is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of commercial agriculture in India — promoting innovation, economic stability, and sustainable farming.