The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published a report drawing attention to the pressing need for shifting priority from tobacco farming to food production. This call-to-action comes in light of the fact that approximately 349 million people are currently dealing with severe food insecurity globally, while fertile land is being taken up by tobacco farming. The obstruction caused by the tobacco industry in efforts to swap their crops further aggravates the global food crisis. World No Tobacco Day, which takes place every year on May 31, acts as a reminder of the continuous struggle against the global tobacco epidemic. The theme for 2023 is “Grow food, not tobacco”.
The Global Food Crisis and its Connection to Tobacco Farming
One of the main reasons behind the global food crisis is tobacco farming. There is a significant competition for land resources between food production and tobacco farming. With tobacco farming prevalent in more than 124 countries, it occupies a considerable portion of agricultural land that can be used for food production. This scarcity of arable land limits food production and intensifies the global food crisis, particularly in regions where food security is already an issue. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations also highlights the rising acute food insecurity in areas across the globe.
Furthermore, tobacco farming needs considerable resources, such as water, fertilisers, and labour force. Redirecting these resources towards tobacco production can result in a decreased availability for food crops, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and food scarcity.
Financial and Environmental Impacts of Tobacco Farming
Tobacco farming tends to be financially profitable for farmers, causing them to prioritise it over food crops. This preference for cash crops like tobacco may lower the motivation to cultivate staple food crops, which are crucial for addressing hunger and food security concerns.
Tobacco farming practices can have harmful effects on the environment as well. Deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution are frequently linked with tobacco farming. These environmental impacts can add stress to the availability of natural resources necessary for sustainable food production.
Health Consequences of Tobacco Use and Farming
Tobacco use and farming pose severe health risks. It contributes to several diseases and premature deaths. The exposure to pesticides and absorption of nicotine through skin during tobacco farming pose serious health threats to farmers. Moreover, the health consequences of tobacco-related diseases can indirectly affect food security by decreasing the productive workforce and placing additional burdens on healthcare systems, diverting resources away from food-based initiatives.
Tobacco Consumption in India
In India, tobacco use is a prime risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases. Tobacco is responsible for nearly 27% of all cancers in India. Additionally, India is the second largest consumer and producer of tobacco after China.
To curb tobacco consumption, the Indian government has taken several initiatives. The Promulgation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance, 2019 prohibits the production, sale, and advertisement of e-Cigarettes. Additionally, the National Tobacco Quitline Services (NTQLS) provides telephonic information, advice, support, and referrals for tobacco cessation.
WHO’s Actions to Address Tobacco Farming
The WHO highlights the importance of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), the first international agreement aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and its adverse health effects. WHO has collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to initiate the Tobacco Free Farms initiative, which aims to assist farmers in nations such as Kenya and Zambia by offering microcredit lending, knowledge, training, and support for growing alternative crops.
