Tobacco Farmers Facing Heat of Beedi Companies'' Protest

Source from:  The Times of India 04/25/2016

Thousands of tobacco producing farmers in Nippani area of the district have fixed into financial crises this year, following the stand taken by the all India level beedi manufacturers association protesting the circular of union health ministry instructing beedi manufacturers to enlarge the danger sign of skull with bones from 45 %to 85% on beedi bundles.

Beedi industry has been shut since over one and half month across the country protesting central government's decision. Beedi manufacturers are continuing protest demanding withdrawal of government circular. As the protesting beedi manufacturing companies stopped buying tobacco in the backdrop of government decision, it has largely affected tobacco growing farmers, especially from Nippani area.

Farmers have grown tobacco and kept bags in houses and warehouses since over past two months. But as beedi manufacturers stopped buying tobacco, farmers have fixed into trouble. Generally, farmers sell tobacco before March every year but this year it has not started yet which has crumbled the financial status of tobacco farmers. Besides, recession type situation has emerged in Nippani and surrounding markets.

"We had expecting good price for tobacco because production of the tobacco has largely reduced this year due to prevailing drought. But in present situation, we are praying that however the protest of beedi manufacturers should get positive result soon and our produce is sold. Farmers like me can't afford keeping tobacco in houses for long time", said tobacco producer Balappa Patil from Khadakalat village near Nippani.

Considering seriousness of the issue, Utkarsha Foundation has come forward to convey the magnitude of the problem to central government. It has started signature collection campaign of farmers in villages surrounding Nippani. So far, over 3,000 signatures collected and sent the prime minister's office, said Praveenbai Shah, head of the foundation and tobacco vendor as well.

Speaking to the TOI, Shah said they don't oppose government decision. But before taking decision, it should think about its affect on farmers and lakhs of workers connected with beedi industry. Government should discourage farmers from producing tobacco step by step by creating awareness. In present situation, farmers have already produced tobacco and in the stage of selling. If government passes any decision at this stage that go against farmers is unacceptable. "What do the farmers do at this stage", he asked.

There are around seven beedi factories in Nippani town and nearby Akkol hobli where over 1,500 workers work. Since the managements closed factories, workers lost their job. "The protest will continue till the government withdraw its decision of enlarging picture danger sign to 85%", beedi factory owner Amit Salve said. Enditem