FAIFA marks World Tobacco Growers’ Day, urges fair income, sustainable livelihood for farmers

GUNTUR: Stressing that ensuring a decent living income for tobacco farmers is essential for the long-term sustainability of rural communities, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) president P S Murali Babu said tobacco growers are known for their hard work, resilience, and commitment. He added that millions of growers, who form the backbone of India’s agricultural exports, should be treated with dignity.FAIFA led the national observance of World Tobacco Growers’ Day (WTGD) 2025 on Tuesday, calling for fair income, balanced regulations, and sustainable livelihoods for millions of Indian tobacco farmers. Addressing a meeting, Murali Babu reaffirmed FAIFA’s resolve to protect farmer livelihoods with pride and dignity, while ensuring policies that sustain the tobacco economy and rural employment.This year’s WTGD was observed under the global theme “Decent Living Income for Sustainable Tobacco Production.”FAIFA, in collaboration with the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA), organised large-scale events across major growing regions of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Farmers gathered at tobacco auction platforms for awareness walks, meetings, and discussions highlighting their contribution to the national economy, exports, and employment.FAIFA highlighted that India’s tobacco sector supports nearly 45.7 million livelihoods, contributing significantly to rural development, national revenue, and foreign exchange earnings. The association reiterated its call for rational taxation, balanced regulation, and stronger measures to curb illicit trade, which threatens legal markets and farmer incomes.At Mysuru, the chairman of the Tobacco Board of India, Yaswanth Kumar Chidipothu, joined growers and appreciated their vital role in the country’s tobacco success. He assured that the Board remains committed to fair pricing, market stability, and sustainable practices that protect farmer welfare and national interests.Farmer leaders from across the three states shared similar views, stating that tobacco cultivation continues to provide steady income and rural employment. They urged policymakers to adopt practical and inclusive measures to strengthen the sector and secure farming livelihoods.Across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, farmers took part in awareness walks carrying banners and slogans such as #TogetherWeGrow and #ProtectOurLivelihood, echoing ITGA’s global campaign. Local farmer representatives addressed gatherings in regional languages, reinforcing community participation and unity.