Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Gupta, Aggarwal Saanvi
Abstract
The tobacco industry keeps posing dynamically evolving threats to public health globally; particularly India is at its centre stage both in terms of large scale producers and consumers of tobacco. A wide variety of efforts both concerted and individual have successfully been attempted to tame this ever growing menace. By analyzing the prevalence and health consequences of tobacco use, the economic implications of tobacco cultivation, and the benefits of shifting to alternate food production, this article highlights the need for comprehensive strategies. The study is based on extensive review exploring the impact of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and collaborations between the Indian government, NGOs, and international organizations towards this campaign. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of promoting crop diversification, sustainable agriculture, and skill development programs to support farmers in their transition. The article presents evidence of reductions in tobacco cultivation and positive results on farmer livelihoods and public health indicators. It is worthy enough to take a stock of present situation regarding efforts thrusted in control of tobacco cultivation. This is necessary for feedback mechanism, gap management and reshaping the overall strategy along the cues. The conclusion of the review though based on limited evidence; sufficiently stimulate the thoughts and efforts towards the quests preceding this study. The highlight of this article is an all-out strategy based on prevalent practices and economical equations of tobacco farming and benefits of shifting to alternative cropping. Furthermore, it emphasizes that there are many challenges and barriers requiring policy interventions, financial support, strong infrastructure, enhanced awareness and dissemination of proper information. The review concludes that, encouraging alternative food cropping for tobacco farmers is a critical step, many collaborative efforts attempted so far for this have been quite impressive in their respective impacts. However a sustained, synergist action of all stakeholders is vital to maintain this transition and ensure its long term success.
Keywords:
:tobacco, farming, Alternative-farming, Transitional-Farming, Food-production & Public-health
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