Farmer associations question WHO’s unsubstantiated recommendation on substituting tobacco

Appeals to the government to investigate unsubstantiated claims of WHO

The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a non-profit organisation representing the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers of commercial crops across the States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, etc. challenged the WHO (World Health Organisation) to provide evidence on its recommendation that alternative crops should replace tobacco crops as they are negatively impacting sustainable agriculture and contributing to the global food crisis. FAIFA has also submitted a representation to the PMO (Prime Minister’s Office), the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to start an investigation into WHO’s unscientific recommendation. FAIFA has emphasised that certain groups with vested interests are propagating the (misplaced) benefits of other crops replacing tobacco cultivation.

The Climate Transparency Report of 2022 highlights the consequences of extreme events occurring between 2016 and 2021. Cyclones, flash floods, floods, and landslides have collectively caused extensive damage to crops, affecting over 36 million hectares of agricultural land. This damage has resulted in a significant loss of approximately $3.75 billion for farmers across the country. The states of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal have been particularly affected, reporting the highest crop damage due to flooding and heavy rainfall.

The impact of climate change is increasingly evident as traditional fertile lands experience a decline in yield and productivity, leading to frequent crop failures that adversely affect farmers. Tobacco cultivation is predominantly practised in semi-arid regions where alternative sustainable crops are not economically viable. However, even these arid lands are becoming more inhospitable due to climate change. In light of this situation, the unscientific recommendation by the WHO, a science-based organisation, to replace tobacco with other crops is illogical and is an agenda driven by vested interests.  

Javare Gowda, President of, the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) said, “WHO officials should not be making such unscientific statements or recommendations. We invite them to our lands where tobacco is cultivated for a minimum stay of 30 days or as long as they want to experience firsthand the harsh conditions. We challenge them to replace tobacco crops and demonstrate alternative crops that are equally remunerative and sturdy. If they fail, they should shut down their offices in the country and leave. This is a fair demand since they are causing economic loss to farmers.”

Murali Babu, General Secretary, of the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) said, “The recommendation of WHO is as good as asking our tobacco farmers to consume poison as replacement of tobacco with other crops will surely kill their livelihoods, destroy their lives and that of their families. Earlier experimentations have ended in huge losses for our tobacco farmers. We appeal to WHO to show their genuine intent to help the farming community and they should guarantee full compensation for any loss arising to the tobacco farmers. We request them to show their intent and deposit a minimum of Rs 1000 crore with the tobacco board and continue to replenish this every year so that amount can be distributed to farmers to cover the loss for crop substitution.” 

“The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international treaty that India is a party to, is a threat to the livelihoods of tobacco farmers as it has not provided viable alternatives for tobacco-growing countries. Considering that the recommendations will result in revenue loss including foreign exchange earnings, the Government of India must investigate the recommendations,” added Murali Babu.

Appeals to the government to investigate unsubstantiated