In pursuance of the wishes of tobacco scientists, traders and farmers, a Scientific Society called " Tobacco Research Workers Association was started in 1973 and registered in 1974 with No. 120/1970 under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 with head quarters at the Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh.       

*The aim of the society is to promote  tobacco research and development in all aspects by organizing national/international seminars/symposia/conferences at least once in three years with a view to disseminate scientific knowledge among the scientific community and tobacco related organizations and  publishing a journal TOBACCO RESEARCH bi-annually  for the benefit of the tobacco  scientists, growers and related organizations.  

*The association was renamed as "Indian Society of Tobacco Science (ISTS)" in 1982. 

*The society made a modest beginning with 81 ordinary and 22 life members and 8 patrons.  Now the society has     4  ordinary members,   296  life members,   and 4 patrons 

* All the members and patrons of ISTS will receive the journal TOBACCO RESEARCH on gratis.  However the journal will not be sent to members who completed 10 years as life members and they will continue to receive the journal if they pay Rs. 500.00(for 5 years) or Rs. 1000.00 (for 10 years). If any member desires he can download the pdf format of the journal from www.istsindia.org

*The society is conducting National Symposia, Group Discussions  and Mini-workshops.

*The society is  honoring distinguished scientists, growers and executives from industry during symposia for their contributions to tobacco research and development. 

*The society is also bringing out   Publications on important scientific aspects .

*Subscribers of  the  journal Tobacco Research include Institutions/Libraries, manufacturers, publishers from India and abroad.

*The society presents ISTS  Awards to the scientists during symposia for their significant contributions in tobacco research and development activities. 

*The society is also conferring  Fellow of ISTS (FISTS) on its life members for their outstanding contributions. 

*The Executive Committee is the apex body conducting  all the activities of the society with the approval of  General Body.