Nowshera
\nTobacco growers have expressed serious concerns over the ongoing tobacco marketing season, alleging widespread exploitation and calling for immediate government intervention.
\nFarmers claim that the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) has failed to ensure the purchase of tobacco at the officially determined Weighted Average Price (WAP), forcing growers to sell their produce at prices far below the approved rate.
\nAccording to farmers, tobacco is one of the most labour-intensive and costly cash crops. They invest substantial amounts in land preparation, seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, fuel, and labour while enduring harsh weather conditions throughout the growing season.
\nHowever, when the crop reaches the market, many are compelled to sell at low prices, resulting in significant financial losses and placing their livelihoods at risk.
\nGrowers have urged the Pakistan Tobacco Board to effectively perform its regulatory responsibilities by ensuring that all tobacco purchasing companies comply with the officially notified Weighted Average Price (WAP).
\nThey argue that strict enforcement is essential to protect farmers from unfair market practices and financial exploitation.
\nFarmers have also recommended that, before the next cultivation season, the Pakistan Tobacco Board, district administrations, and all licensed tobacco companies jointly develop a transparent mechanism to ensure that tobacco cultivation is carried out only according to each company\u2019s approved quota and guaranteed contracted area.
\nThey believe this would help balance production with demand and protect growers from future losses.
\nAnother major concern highlighted by growers is the increasing availability of imported and illegally traded cigarettes in Pakistan.
\nThey argue that this not only reduces demand for locally produced tobacco but also causes substantial revenue losses to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) because taxes are not fully collected on illegal products. As a result, both the national economy and local tobacco farmers suffer.
\nAgricultural stakeholders have called upon the Federal Government, the Pakistan Tobacco Board, the Federal Board of Revenue, and other relevant authorities to take urgent measures to enforce fair tobacco purchasing practices, curb the illegal cigarette trade, and introduce policies that safeguard the interests of tobacco growers while protecting national revenue.
\nFarmers maintain that timely action is essential to ensure the sustainability of Pakistan\u2019s tobacco sector, secure fair returns for growers, and strengthen the country\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Nowshera Tobacco growers have expressed serious concerns over the ongoing tobacco marketing season, alleging widespread exploitation and calling for immediate government intervention. Farmers claim that the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) has failed to ensure the purchase of tobacco at the officially determined Weighted Average Price (WAP), forcing growers to sell their produce at prices far […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":560512,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-560498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-peshawar"],"yoast_head":"\n