Forum says extending grants and interest-free loans to tobacco farmers in effect subsidises the tobacco industry, contradicting public health objectives.
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The Anti-Tobacco Forum has opposed the Union government’s decision to enhance financial assistance for Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco growers through the Tobacco Board, arguing that incentivising tobacco cultivation is contradictory with India’s commitments under the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
In a statement, Vasanthkumar Mysoremath, Convener of the Anti-Tobacco Forum and Honorary Adviser to the Cancer Patients’ Aid Association, said extending grants and interest-free loans to tobacco farmers in effect subsidises the tobacco industry, contradicting public health objectives.
“The Tobacco Board’s financial support under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, contradicts the spirit of tobacco control measures,” he contended.
Questioning India’s commitment to the FCTC, Mr. Mysoremath alleged that the country was pursuing “dual policies” by promoting tobacco cultivation while simultaneously implementing tobacco control measures. According to him, government agencies continue to support FCV tobacco growers through subsidies, farm inputs, improved curing technologies, extension services, tax concessions and other incentives, benefiting the tobacco industry.
Citing official data, he said the number of licenced FCV tobacco growers in Karnataka rose from 18,751 in 2001-02 to more than 41,700 in 2011-12, while the number of licenced barns and the area under cultivation also more than doubled during the period. He further alleged that the Tobacco Board had decided to renew lapsed licences and permit the auction of excess and illegally cultivated tobacco through its auction platforms.
Mr. Mysoremath also criticised the reported withdrawal of a proposed 18% tax on tobacco in the Union Budget for 2026-27, alleging that the decision reflected political interference in tobacco policy.
The forum urged political leaders to refrain from interfering in tobacco-related policymaking and instead promote economically viable alternative livelihoods for tobacco growers.
It maintained that many tobacco farmers are willing to shift to remunerative alternative crops, but require sustained government support to facilitate the transition.
The forum also called for a strict parliamentary code of conduct to prevent political interference in tobacco policy and eliminate engagement with the tobacco industry under the guise of corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“If awareness-driven demand reduction and supply reduction through promotion of alternative crops fail to achieve the desired outcomes, the National Tobacco Control Programme and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) should be reviewed to ensure that public funds earmarked for tobacco control are utilised effectively,” according to the forum.
Published – July 24, 2026 07:32 pm IST
