Andhra Pradesh - Rajahmundry   

Explore alternative uses of tobacco: expert

Rajahmundry: A.P. Horticulture University Vice-Chancellor S.D. Sikhamani called for exploration of alternative uses of tobacco while efforts are made to drastically cut consumption as per the directives of World Health Organisation (WHO). Tobacco cultivation is being discouraged worldwide due to its harmful consequences. As the world’s third largest producer, India has a big responsibility to achieve the tobacco control objectives laid down by WHO.

Participating as chief guest in the inaugural function of a ‘National symposium on tobacco- Challenges and opportunities’ organised by Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI) and Indian Society of Tobacco Science (ISTS) at JK Gardens here on Tuesday, Prof. Sikhamani said the livelihood of a huge number of people dependent on the tobacco crop has to be protected to the extent possible, by utilising the medicinal properties of leaves and other parts of tobacco plants. Production of tobacco was not a problem in India but its sales were as a slew of legislations regulated consumption and added to the critical situation were WHO’s prescriptions which were of course good for the public health.

CTRI Director V. Krishna Murthy said tobacco crop faced varied threats post FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) regime of WHO. Tobacco however has enormous scope for non-conventional uses that needed to be concentrated upon. Stringent statutory regulations, the global Anti-Tobacco Campaign and growing health consciousness among the masses pose a serious threat to sustainability of tobacco particularly if it was meant solely for traditional uses, he observed. Indian farmers were at the same time asked to restrict the area while improving productivity and quality to fetch remunerative prices.

Soil resource management, nutrient-use-efficiency, water management and reduction of harmful substances were the immediate challenges.

M. Kochu Babu, Director of the Directorate of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi (West Godavari district), Indian Tobacco Association Vice-President Yarlagadda Chowdary, ISTS Vice-President M. Mani, Secretary and U. Sreedhar took part.

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