Budget 2017: Tobacco farmers disappointed by hike in excise on cigarettes

Govt had hiked excise duty on unmanufactured tobacco to 8.3% from 4.2%

The livelihood of tobacco farmers has been dealt a blow by the crackdown of the government on cigarettes and tobacco products, which increased tax on the items in the Budget while ignoring their plight, according to Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA).

FAIFA, a body representing farmers across states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat, said the increase in excise duty on cigarettes will lead to a further drop in earnings of domestic tobacco growers.

"The duty increase announced in the Budget is a blow to the livelihood of FCV (cigarette) tobacco farmers, who have been facing