The Government must take into consideration the livelihood of the 4.75 crore people involved in the sector while formulating policies for regulation of tobacco products in the country, tobacco growers in Karnataka has said.
“A combination of high taxation and discriminatory regulations only on legal industry has driven legal tobacco industry into a significant decline. Many consumers have shifted to low priced illegal products like smuggled cigarettes from tax paid domestically manufactured cigarettes,” said Federation of Karnataka Virginia Tobacco Growers Association in a statement.
Karnataka produces about 100 million kg (mkg) of tobacco, while total production in the country is estimated at 800 mkg. Of this, about 500 mkg is unregulated mainly in Madhya Pradesh, UP and Gujarat.
It appealed to the government to ensure equitable, rationale, reasonable and balanced policy framework based on scientific data and evidence as well as to consult all stakeholders to frame a well-balanced tobacco control regulations.
The Association has also sought a study to be carried out on the socio-economic impact of the anti-tobacco measures so that a balanced, well-calibrated framework can be developed to address issues like identification of alternative and equally remunerative sustainable means of livelihood.
The study should also focus on time frame and capital requirement as well as new skill required for such transition, said the Association.