India: Plight of Tobacco Farmers Extremely Grave

Source from:  Webindia 09/28/2015

Calling for an immediate policy correction two leading tobacco growers associations have described the plight of tobacco farmers in the state as "extremely grave".

Describing the policy focus as one sided, blindly aping the recommendations of the Western influence and in complete disregard for the local reality, Kondepi Tobacco Growers Association and Kaligiri FCV Tobacco Growers Associations said in the recent past, Indian tobacco farmers have been under extreme stress. Tobacco is traditionally a remunerative crop with no economically viable alternative providing livelihood to 45.7 million people comprising farmers, farm labour, workers, retailers among others and their families.

However, the current FCV Tobacco Market and the rapidly declining Legal Cigarette Industry in India is threatening the livelihood of Lakhs of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers and their families.

We are disturbed with the growing number of tobacco farmer suicides that is happening in our state. Our livelihoods are our main concern and the government should look into the same before taking any decision on the extreme regulations. There is no alternative to tobacco farming in our area because of the soil and climatic conditions." Muralibabu, Kondepi Tobacco Growers Association, said.

The current plight of the FCV tobacco farmers is serious and requires immediate policy correction. The government should urgently intervene and stabilize the domestic tobacco market by adopting balanced tobacco regulations and moderate cigarette taxation. Such an equitable approach is necessary to protect the livelihood of lakhs of FCV tobacco farmers and combat the surging illegal cigarette trade that is causing huge revenue loss and defying the objectives of tobacco control by promoting cheaper illegal cigarettes.

Notably, amidst reports of tobacco farmers suicide, the Centre had asked the Tobacco board Chairman to proceed on leave for showing apathy to the plight of farmers. Enditem