Despite earning over ₹13,000 crore in tobacco taxes, the Union government has failed to support struggling tobacco farmers, especially during natural calamities, said Karnataka Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh. At the 25th Tobacco Farmers Awards, Venkatesh, who represents Periyapatna—a tobacco-heavy taluk—criticised the apathy toward growers.
“Heavy rains have damaged crops and washed away manure, doubling farmer expenses. The Tobacco Board and Centre must intervene during such crises,” he urged. A tobacco farmer himself for six decades, he noted that while farmers face losses, industries profit immensely from their output.
Although there are ongoing debates about banning tobacco, Venkatesh highlighted that farmers stick to the crop due to the lack of viable alternatives. He also warned against cultivating a second tobacco crop in the same season, which typically results in deeper losses.
Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar echoed the concerns, stating that high production costs hurt profitability. He suggested the use of lantana, an invasive plant, instead of firewood to cure tobacco—cutting costs and reducing forest harm.
Ten farmers were honoured at the event, celebrating excellence in cultivation. Sharad Tandan, director of the Tobacco Institute of India, noted that India is the second-largest global tobacco producer, but faces a major hurdle in the ₹21,000 crore illicit cigarette market, undermining the legal trade and farmers alike.
Officials from the Tobacco Board and CTRI were also present at the ceremony.
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