NEW DELHI, 11 October 2025: Indian tobacco farmers called for uniform regulation across all tobacco types to prevent market imbalances and protect livelihoods, during a seminar organised by the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) at the Constitution Club of India.
The seminar, themed ‘All India Consultation of Tobacco Farmer Leaders’, brought together farmer representatives, policymakers, scientists, and industry experts to discuss reforms for India’s 60 lakh tobacco-growing families, particularly those cultivating non-FCV tobacco varieties outside the Tobacco Board’s regulatory framework.
Speakers highlighted the role of multinational corporations, which are accused of promoting tobacco farming with misleading promises of global demand and high prices, leading to overproduction and financial losses of around ₹500 crore in 2025. Non-FCV tobacco, used in bidis, chewing tobacco, and gutka, is sold without regulatory oversight, making farmers vulnerable to price exploitation and market volatility.
Mr. Murali Babu, General Secretary of FAIFA, said, “We are not seeking subsidies; we are seeking systems. Every tobacco farmer, whether FCV or non-FCV, deserves a transparent market and a stable income. The Government of India must establish a National Tobacco Crop Regulatory Framework covering all varieties, ensuring one policy, one platform, and one protection.”
Concerns were also raised about the shift of multinational tobacco companies toward e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, which reduces demand for raw leaf tobacco and threatens rural employment. Experts urged a regulatory mechanism for non-FCV tobaccos similar to the FCV auction model to prevent overproduction, ensure fair pricing, and provide stability for farmers.
Mr. Ch. Yashwant Kumar, Chairman of the Tobacco Board, announced a pilot plan for non-FCV regulation and proposed a roadmap for bringing all tobacco varieties under legal and institutional oversight. The seminar included participation from senior scientists and key farmer leaders from Karnataka and across India.
The consultation concluded with a call for planned production, transparent pricing, and strengthened farmer protection to safeguard the economic and social welfare of India’s tobacco-growing communities.