Agri diversification needed to protect tobacco growers: study

A multi-pronged strategy of agricultural diversification is needed in a phased manner to provide sustainable livelihood solutions to people associated with tobacco cultivation, a study has said.
Due to non-ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), jobs of about 38 million people in India are under threat and the government may also lose revenue to the extent of Rs 21,000 crore collected by way of exports and excise duty, according to a joint study undertaken by industry body ASSOCHAM and private organisation Thought Arbitrage Research Institute (TARI).
"A multi-faceted approach is likely to be more effective than legislation to control tobacco as its cultivation is a lifeline for a sizeable population including rural women, tribals and other weaker sections of the society, who have few means of alternative income opportunities," the study said.

The study, titled 'Tobacco Economics in India: The Voice of Farmer and other stakeholders', was jointly released today by ASSOCHAM national secretary general D S Rawat and TARI founder Kaushik Dutta.
India is a signatory to the FCTC, which seeks to establish a global agenda for tobacco control and reduce demand and supply by 2020.
Contributing nearly 52 per cent of India's total tobacco production, (united) Andhra Pradesh acquires highest share of about 45 per cent in area under tobacco cultivation and it is largely concentrated in East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore and Karimnagar districts, the study said.