State Farmers use Organic Manure to Produce Less Harmful Tobacco

Source from:  Newindpress.com (in) 08/05/2004

MYSORE: With more and more people giving up smoking and the growing demand for high quality tobacco in recent years, tobacco growers in Karnataka are gradually shifting to use organic manure to produce less harmful tobacco. Though, the state produced virginia, high quality tobacco in 70,000 hectares of which 80 per cent is exported to more than a dozen countries, the increase in demand for harmless tobacco and the challenges in global market has gained momentum towards organic farming. The farmers with the assistance of the Central Tobacco Research Institute and the Research Station in Hunsur, have initiated trials on use of organic composite to see that chemical fertilisers can be reduced to produce much harmless tobacco apart from maintaining the fertility of the soil. Experts at the research station claim that tobacco grown in Karnataka is of high demand in other countries as it has high organic content and the tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA) in the plant genus, which causes diseases like cancer is less than detectable level. Tobacco in Karnataka is grown in rain-fed area and is also one of the reasons for increased demand in the international market. It can be blended with other tobacco. The indirect curing process unlike in developed countries where they use direct curing, decreases in use of pesticides with need based approach. Eco-friendly approach with integrated pest management is also a factor in demand over the years. Experts in co-ordination with the Tobacco Board and dealers have also conducted awareness programmes stating that the TSNA levels in tobacco are influenced by the amount of nitrate present during growing and curing processes. In view of minimising the TSNA level, farmers have opted to green leaf manuring. Fresh mud like filter press alternatives with high organic content and vermi compost. The joint action committee comprising members from CTRI, and ITC, have sanctioned 250 units to encourage farmers to use vermi compost. Umashanker, a farmer, said that they have started using organic manure reducing the use of inorganic nitrogenous fertilisers. He said there is an increase in the use of organic manure to see that the quality will be the key factor to promote their product in the open market and liberalised economic policy. "The quality and export potential characteristic of tobacco will dictate the global market. Any compromise in quality production will be a deathblow to exporters," said a buyer. Farmers also revealed that ITC, a major cigarette manufacturing company, was giving Rs. 2,500 subsidy to vermi compost unit set-up at a cost of Rs 5,000. Meanwhile, M.M.Shenoi, in charge of CTRI Research Centre, said that the use of organic manure initially yielded good results. The use of this manure in the next four years will decrease inorganic manure by 50 per cent. He said the use of manure has increased water-holding capacity and would not die from late rains. Research has proved that Indian tobacco leaf contains less harmful toxic agents compared to those grown in other countries. Enditem