A systemic approach to developing sustained agro eco systems is the only way for FCV growers to produce clean and quality tobacco, according to K. Satya Gopal, Director-General of the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad.
“The tobacco sector, labelled as an ‘opportunistic market’, is headed for uncertain times. India, being a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), is under pressure to bring down the use of tobacco,” he said.
NIPHM has been closely working with the Tobacco Board to reduce the use of chemicals and encourage use of bio-pesticides to create a new brand value to FCV Tobacco, Dr. Satya Gopal added. He was addressing the board’s formation day celebrations here.
Tobacco Board Chairman Koothati Gopal sounded upbeat as he maintained that the board would continue to provide sustainable livelihood options to growers by ensuring good remunerative prices on auction floors even in adverse conditions with the support of all stakeholders.
Mr. Sanjiv Rangrass, divisional chief executive, ITC Ltd, said the tobacco industry, particularly the cigarette manufacturing sector, was reeling under severe crisis owing to the steep hike in taxation and illicit trade.
“Time has come for the tobacco family to stand united in this hour of crisis. More than two lakh families are dependent on the tobacco industry. The government has effected 75 per cent hike in taxes, and its policies are giving a window for illicit sale of low quality cigarettes which will create a major health problem,” Mr. Rangrass added.
Indian Tobacco Association president Mittapalli Umamaheswara Rao said declining demand and returns had pushed the sector to the brink and urged the board to involve global merchants and seek assistance from the government to engage with markets, which buy substantial volumes through tenders.
Farmers told to produce clean tobacco
