Allow tobacco farmers to participate in WHO convention: FAIFA

A farmer's body today asked the Centre to allow them to participate in the crucial World Health Organisation (WHO) convention on tobacco control, saying it will help millions of tobacco farmers to understand the impact of measures proposed during the meet.
Terming it as "unfortunate", Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) alleged that WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has become an instrument in the hands of anti-tobacco NGOs and activists who are funded by vested interests.
India is hosting the 7th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) in Noida to eliminate the illicit trade of tobacco products.

"As representatives of the tobacco farmers in India and in view of the fact that the COP7 is being hosted by India, we wish to make an urgent appeal that farmers should be allowed to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.
"Our participation will help us understand the future course of actions being proposed by the WHO on tobacco control and the impact of these measures on the tobacco crop cultivated by us and the livelihood of millions that are dependent on tobacco in the country," said BV Javare Gowda, President FAIFA.
FAIFA has written to the government to include representatives of tobacco farmers in the official Indian delegation to COP7.

"Allowing tobacco farmers, access to the COP 7 to take part in the deliberations will underline the principle of transparency which is required in any public policy-making process...

FAIFA said that inclusion of farmers will also be
consistent with the Constitution of India, principles of transparency as adopted by the United Nations and in consonance with a statement made by DG WHO Margaret Chan earlier this year.
"It is a matter of great concern for us that FCTC decisions in the past are made behind closed doors. It is clear that the interests of tobacco growers are not represented in the debates especially when the decisions have direct bearing on the lives of tobacco growers.

"It is unfortunate that the FCTC has become an instrument in the hands of anti-tobacco NGOs and activists who are funded by vested interests and have no knowledge of tobacco growing or any concern for the livelihood of farmers and many others dependent on tobacco for their livelihood," the body said.
It expressed its confidence that the government will ensure that the representatives of the tobacco farmers are able to attend the COP7 deliberations and uphold India's high democratic principles.
The summit is scheduled from November 7-12 at the Indian Exposition Mart in Noida will aim "to eliminate illicit trade of tobacco products.

About 1,000-1,500 delegates from 180 countries along with observers in official relations with the WHO FCTC are expected to participate in the summit.