After tea and textile industry, Gujarat tobacco association urges PM Modi to help them

Days after tea industry and textile industry associations appealed to Modi led government to help the sector for reviving it from the ongoing economic crisis through a letter in the prominent national newspapers, Gujarat Tobacco Merchants Association and Gujarat Tobacco Growers and Merchants Association have also published an advertisement in the national dailies appealing the Union government to intervene and help the industry.

In their letter addressed to PM Modi, the association points out that farmer and traders of tobacco are already going through a crisis and to put a blanket ban on e-cigarettes, will deepen the crisis more.

“At a time when farmers and traders are so severely stressed, the news about the Ministry of Health attempting to forcefully bring an ordinance to ban E-Cigarettes is a fatal blow for the tobacco growing, trading and processing industry.”

They also emphasised that since Gutkha has been banned for long, providing crop to Nicotine manufacturers is their only small outlet.

“You are aware that tobacco farmers have been in very tight situation ever since the ban on Gutkha was implemented. We have found a small outlet for our crop by supplying to the Nicotine manufacturers. Now through this ban, this option is also being snatched,” reads the letter.

The letter also goes on to explain that Nicotine has the scope to expand nicotine industry and acquire the number one slot and it also help in creating jobs.

“In light of the fact that our land is not suitable for any other crop, we are hoping that Nicotine, for which the tobacco grown in Gujarat is highly suitable, will be our way to survival -in fact Gujarat has the scope to expand its Nicotine industry to assume the number one slot in the world, which will benefit the farmers and the industry of Gujarat, as well as create jobs.”

“World over it is acknowledged that E-cigarettes are a much safer option of tobacco consumption and the trend for the future is that more and more people will opt for switching to the safer way of consuming tobacco. Globally, this is poised for growth and India should seize the opportunity.”

The letter goes on to argue that imposing a ban is not a solution each time a sensitive category is discussed. The impact of ban should also be considered.

“Is ban the solution each time a sensitive category is discussed? Is our regulatory edifice so Weak that we have to resort to blanket bans?”

They urged PM Modi to let them share their opinion and views with an appropriate office or department before the ordinance is put in place.

Here is the full text of the letter

APPEAL TO HON'BLE PRIME MINISTER TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE AT THIS HOUR.

Hon'ble PM There is something just not right about this decision of the Health Ministry to push for an Ordinance to ban E-cigarettes.

At a time when farmers and traders are so severely stressed, the news about the Ministry of Health attempting to forcefully bring an ordinance to ban E-Cigarettes is a fatal blow for the tobacco growing, trading and processing industry.

You are aware that tobacco farmers have been in very tight situation ever since the ban on Gutka was implemented. We have found a small outlet for our crop by supplying to the Nicotine manufacturers. Now through this ban, this option is also being snatched.

In light of the fact that our land is not suitable for any other crop, we are hoping that Nicotine, for which the tobacco grown in Gujarat is highly suitable, will be our way to survival -in fact Gujarat has the scope to expand its Nicotine industry to assume the number one slot in the world, which will benefit the farmers and the industry of Gujarat, as well as create jobs.

World over it is acknowledged that E-cigarettes are a much safer option of tobacco consumption and the trend for the future is that more and more people will opt for switching to the safer way of consuming tobacco. Globally this is poised for growth and India should seize the opportunity.

If the ban is imposed, the only result will be loss of revenue to farmers, tobacco traders and adversely impact consumers, as black market will rule the roost.

Is ban the solution each time a sensitive category is discussed? Is our regulatory edifice so weak that we have to resort to blanket bans?

What the Doctor is prescribing is worse than the disease.

Has the impact of this ban been considered on the trade, the farming community? Sure it is a small component today but by banning it we are killing its potential to grow. India is one of the world largest processor of Nicotine and Gujarat leads in that category. This will be a body blow to industry and agriculture at the same time.

More importantly, this will only embolden internationally funded anti-tobacco activism and endanger the livelihoods of millions of fanners across India.

We therefore hope that before taking a drastic step like banning e-cigarettes, which is the only ray of hope for the tobacco farmers and traders, we will get an opportunity to present our views, before whosoever you designate for discussing this important subject.

Hon'ble PM, there is something just not right about this decision of the Health Ministry to push for an Ordinance. Please step in and ask them to consult and reconsider. We assure you we are with you in the event of any reasonable proposal.