Anti-Tobacco Forum opposes enhanced aid for FCV growers
The Anti-Tobacco Forum is challenging the Indian government's decision to increase financial aid for tobacco farmers, citing conflicts with global health commitments. The forum argues that subsidizing tobacco cultivation undermines public health objectives and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between supporting agricultural livelihoods and adhering to international public health mandates regarding harmful substances.
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.
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