Study seeks alternative livelihood to tobacco farmers

Study says multi-faceted approach to alternative livelihood better than tobacco control as large population depends on crop

A multi-pronged strategy of agricultural diversification in a phased manner and shifting to other economic activities is the need of the hour to provide livelihood solutions to the people associated with tobacco, according to a study titled ‘Tobacco Economics in India: The Voice of Farmer and other Stakeholders’.

The study was jointly conducted by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) and Thought Arbitrage Research Institute (Tari).

It states that multi-faceted approach to provide alternative livelihood to farmers would be more effective than “legislation to control tobacco as its cultivation is a lifeline for a sizable population”.

Tari founder, Kaushik Datta, said it was a mere coincidence that the study was released at a time when the Union health ministry was seeking further regulation on consumption of tobacco products in the country.

For the record, an expert committee constituted by the ministry to review the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, had come out with various recommendations including a ban on sale of loose cigarette sticks.

Incidentally, two days ago, the Consortium of Indian Farmers Associations (CIFA) had written a letter to the health minister asserting that “any decision taken without tobacco farmers’ consent cannot be implemented”.

CIFA secretary general, P Chengal Reddy, stated the Centre should constitute a national consultative committee to hold discussions with all the stakeholders and prepare a programme.