Question : Alternatives to Tobacco Farming

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the anti-tobacco measures have adversely affected the demand of tobacco and its cultivation is no more viable/ profitable for farmers in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has provided/proposes to provide assistance and support for economically sustainable alternatives to tobacco growing in consultation with various stakeholders;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the response received by the Government thereto, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether the Government has received representations from various quarters in this regard, if so, the details thereof along with the action taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government thereon; and

(e) the other measures being taken by the Government to protect the people directly or indirectly related to tobacco for their livelihood?

(a): The information is being collected and will be laid on the table of the House
(b) to (d): The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in collaboration with the Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI) , under the Ministry of Agriculture launched the pilot project on ‘Alternative crops to Bidi and chewing tobacco in different Agro-Ecological Subregions of the Country’ (2009-10) .
The study revealed that none of the mono crops were as remunerative as tobacco. However, a combination of crops (two or more) was found to yield higher returns than solely tobacco. The findings of the study are at ANNEX.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has written to the Ministry of Commerce to reconsider the Proposal on rehabilitation package for FCV tobacco growers which was proposed by Tobacco Board.

The department has not received any representation in this regard.
(e): The following measures have been taken by the Government to provide alternative livelihood to people engaged in tobacco cultivation:
1) The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has written to the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce to consider development of new Schemes / Programmes or modification of existing schemes for providing alternate crops to tobacco growers and also economically viable options with support for the tobacco growing farmers who are willing to shift over from tobacco, as a part of 12th Five Year Plan.

2) The Ministry of Health organized a National Consultation on Economics of Tobacco in 2012. The consultation involved key stakeholders and included the issue of Alternative livelihood to tobacco farmers and bidi rollers.

3) An Inter-ministerial Committee of Secretaries has been constituted at the national level under the chairpersonship of the Cabinet Secretary to review and develop a comprehensive policy on tobacco and tobacco related issues. As per the recommendations of the 1st meeting the Ministry of Health has sent a reference to Ministry of Agriculture to reconsider the ‘Barn Buyout Scheme’ proposed by Tobacco Board (Ministry of Commerce).