The World Tobacco Growers’ Day festivities in Chilkunda, near Mysuru, saw the esteemed presence of Tobacco Board Chairman Yashwanth Kumar C. He joined hands with farmers and representatives from the Federation of All India Farmers’ Associations (FAIFA) and the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) to mark this significant occasion on Tuesday.
This year’s celebration revolved around a crucial theme: ‘Decent Living Income for Sustainable Tobacco Production,’ emphasizing the importance of fair livelihoods for those dedicated to cultivating tobacco.
During the event, Mr. Kumar lauded the unwavering efforts of the farming community, recognizing them as the backbone of India’s esteemed reputation for producing exceptional quality tobacco. He reaffirmed the Tobacco Board’s steadfast commitment to securing equitable prices, ensuring stable market conditions, and promoting the long-term viability of tobacco cultivation.
Earlier, Chairman Kumar engaged in heartfelt discussions with farmers at key tobacco auction platforms across H.D. Kote, Chilkunda, and Hunsur. He later shared on X (formerly Twitter) that these interactions covered the pressing challenges tobacco growers face, their personal experiences, and the current dynamics of the market.
Concurrently, FAIFA underscored Karnataka’s pivotal role in yielding some of the world’s most premium Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco. The association attributed Indian tobacco’s global credibility to the region’s disciplined farming methods and rigorous quality benchmarks.
Speaking to the attendees, FAIFA Joint Secretary Vikram Raj Urs emphasized Karnataka tobacco’s international acclaim for its exceptional quality and distinctive aroma. He movingly acknowledged the resilient farmers from Mysuru, Hunsur, and Chamarajanagar, who consistently overcome myriad obstacles, from erratic weather patterns to escalating production costs, with remarkable perseverance.
Mr. Urs utilized this platform to earnestly call upon governmental bodies and policymakers for several crucial measures: ensuring fair and transparent pricing, facilitating easier access to credit and comprehensive crop insurance, implementing sensible and balanced tobacco regulations, and formally recognizing the significant economic contributions of these growers to the Indian economy.
Furthermore, he advocated for robust actions to curtail illicit tobacco trade, safeguarding both the legitimate domestic market and the livelihoods of millions of farming families dependent on this crop.
According to Mr. Urs, World Tobacco Growers’ Day serves as a vital occasion to honor the relentless dedication of countless farmers who labor diligently to cultivate high-quality tobacco leaves, thereby sustaining rural communities.
The event saw a notable attendance, including Gopal, Regional Manager of the Tobacco Board, along with various other board officials and prominent leaders from diverse farmers’ associations.