Fuyuan Flue-Cured Tobacco

Fuyuan Flue-Cured Tobacco

　　Fuyuan County is one of China’s major national production bases for flue-cured tobacco. This crop is the county’s primary economic plant and a major pillar of local fiscal revenue, generating around 15 million yuan in tobacco product taxes annually—accounting for approximately 50% of the county’s total fiscal income.

　　　　The history of flue-cured tobacco cultivation in the county dates back a long time. As early as 1947, some rural areas began sporadic planting. The tobacco variety at that time, known as "Jinyuan Tobacco," was introduced from the United States, hence locals called it "American Tobacco." After the liberation, especially since the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, flue-cured tobacco production in Fuyuan County has developed rapidly. The quantity is abundant and the quality is high, giving the county an important position in Yunnan Province’s tobacco production. In 1988, the county planted 96,000 mu of flue-cured tobacco, with a total purchased output of 15,196 tons, a production value of 45.097 million yuan, and 75% being medium to high-grade tobacco. The average unit price was 9.5 yuan per kilogram.

　　　　Fuyuan flue-cured tobacco boasts a rich and mellow aroma, celebrated across the nation, and is now exported to 36 provinces (municipalities) and regions including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Heilongjiang, Xinjiang, Zhejiang, and Fujian. A cumulative total of over 30 million kilograms have been directly sold outside the province, becoming a premium ingredient used by out-of-province tobacco factories in the production of high-grade cigarettes.