The cultivation of tobacco in Pakistan is a tale as old as time, steeped in tradition and honed by generations of skilled farmers. This journey from seed to leaf is a fascinating one, filled with challenges and triumphs. As we delve into the world of tobacco cultivation in Pakistan, we’ll explore the art and science behind this thriving industry, uncovering the secrets that make Pakistani tobacco a sought-after commodity worldwide. From the rich, fertile fields to the bustling markets, we invite you to join us on this captivating exploration.
Historical Background of Tobacco Cultivation in Pakistan
Tobacco has been an important cash crop for Pakistan, even though it is grown on just 0.21 percent of the country’s agricultural land . The Khyber Pakhtoonkwhaa (KP) region, in particular, is known for its tobacco production, housing major companies like the Pakistan Tobacco Company and the Khyber Tobacco Company .
Importance of Tobacco in Pakistan’s Economy
Tobacco farming and cigarette manufacturing account for less than 0.5% of the country’s GDP, while the cigarette industry employs 0.2% of the industrial labor force . Despite these seemingly small percentages, the tobacco industry contributes almost USD 1 billion to Pakistan’s economy, constituting up to 50% of the total federal excise duties (FED) .
Major Tobacco Growing Regions
The major tobacco-growing regions in Pakistan include the KP region, which is home to both the Pakistan Tobacco Company and the Khyber Tobacco Company . These regions have traditionally been important for tobacco cultivation, contributing significantly to the country’s tobacco production.
Selection of Tobacco Varieties
In Pakistan, standard commercial varieties of tobacco are grown, including K399, NC95, SPEIGHT G-28, and HYBRID . No genetically modified variety is allowed to be cultivated .
Planting and Growing Process
Tobacco seeds are sown in specially-constructed seedbeds, with a plant-to-plant spacing of 3X2 square feet, coupled with compound fertilizers . The chemistry of the soil is improved to ensure the nicotine level is within the range of 1.7% to 3.5%, and the sugar level falls within the range of 8% to 15% .
Harvesting and Curing
The tobacco leaves are harvested and then cured, a process that has not changed much in the last 200 years . The curing process involves the use of a hygrometer, humidity control, monitoring and control of temperature, and timing at various times .
Contribution to GDP
Tobacco farming and cigarette manufacturing contribute less than 0.5% to the country’s GDP . Despite this seemingly small percentage, the tobacco industry plays a significant role in Pakistan’s economy due to its contribution to federal excise duties .
Employment Opportunities
The cigarette industry employs 0.2% of the industrial labor force in Pakistan . This industry provides livelihoods for many people, particularly in the major tobacco-growing regions.
Taxation and Revenue
Tobacco taxation is a major concern of health and tax policies in Pakistan . The tobacco industry thrives on 22 million active tobacco consumers and is attractive because of a tax tag worth USD 1 billion .
Policy and Regulatory Challenges
Pakistan does not have a clear strategy on using tobacco taxation and prices as a public health tool . The existing tobacco taxation policies do not meet the WHO FCTC requirements, and there are multiple issues in tobacco tax administration, such as lack of monitoring .
Policy Recommendations
To address the challenges in tobacco cultivation, it is recommended that Pakistan fully implement MPOWER Strategies, particularly the tobacco control measures . These include strict implementation of smoke-free laws, a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship, implementing large-sized graphic health warnings on cigarette packs, and introducing plain packaging .
Sustainable Alternatives
As part of the future prospects, it is important to consider sustainable alternatives to tobacco cultivation. This includes exploring other cash crops that can be grown in the regions currently used for tobacco cultivation, thereby reducing the environmental impact and health risks associated with tobacco.
what is the economic significance of tobacco in pakistan
Tobacco cultivation and the tobacco industry play a significant role in Pakistan’s economy, despite the crop being grown on only around 0.23% of the total irrigated land in the country . The industry contributes to the economy in several ways, including generating income, providing employment, and contributing to federal excise duties .
The tobacco industry in Pakistan is thriving, with 22 million active tobacco consumers, and it is attractive because of a tax tag worth USD 1 billion . However, the tax contribution of the tobacco sector is found to be merely 20% of the total economic and health cost .
Tobacco farming is an important source of livelihood for many families in Pakistan, but the profitability at the farm level is not very high . Farmers are responsive to changes in market prices for inputs and output, with the price of tobacco being the most important determinant of output supply and input demand .
However, the economic cost of smoking in Pakistan is substantial, estimated to be Rs 615.07 billion (US$3.85 billion), equal to 1.6% of Pakistan’s GDP . In 2019, the economic cost of smoking was about five times greater than the revenue from the tobacco industry .
what are the different types of tobacco grown in pakistan
In Pakistan, several types of tobacco are grown. These include:
- Flue-Cured Virginia (F.C.V): This is a high-quality tobacco that is primarily grown in the Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera districts and Malakand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province .
- Dark Air-Cured Virginia Tobacco (DAC): This is a Virginia type variety, grown in central Punjab. Speight G28 & Gulpao are the two main varieties used for air curing .
- Sun-Cured Rustica Tobacco (White Patta): This is a high nicotine source of tobacco which is mostly used in smokeless products (Naswar) and in low medium. It is cured under the sun & then bulked for a week .
- Light Air-Cured Tobacco (Burley): This type of tobacco is not mentioned in the sources as being grown in Pakistan, but it is listed as one of the tobacco types on the Pakistan Tobacco Board’s website .
what are the challenges faced by tobacco farmers in pakistan
Details: Tobacco farmers in Pakistan face several challenges that impact their productivity and profitability. These include:
- Excessive Taxes and Lack of Government Support: Tobacco farmers often complain about the high taxes imposed on their produce and the lack of adequate government support .
- Exploitation by Tobacco Companies: Farmers often struggle with manipulation by international tobacco companies, which can lead to unfair prices for their tobacco .
- Climate Change and Environmental Factors: Changes in climate, global warming, and shifting rain patterns have led to a decline in the area under tobacco cultivation and overall production .
- High Input Costs: The cost of inputs for tobacco farming, such as seeds and fertilizers, is high, which can impact the profitability of the farmers .
- Lack of Quality Seeds: Farmers often struggle with the availability of quality seeds for high tobacco production .
- Health Risks: Tobacco farming can pose health risks to the farmers, which can further impact their productivity and livelihood .
- Lack of Good Credit Facilities: Many farmers do not have access to good credit facilities, which can hinder their ability to invest in their farms and increase production .
- Low Selling Prices: Farmers often have to sell their tobacco at low prices, which can impact their overall income and profitability .
Conclusion
Tobacco cultivation in Pakistan plays a significant role in the country’s economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to federal excise duties. However, it also presents several challenges, including health and environmental concerns, policy issues, and the need for sustainable alternatives. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy measures and a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices.
Statistics:
Pakistan is one of the largest tobacco-growing countries, ranking 9th in raw tobacco production as of 2016 . Despite this, tobacco is not a major crop in the country, accounting for only less than half a percent of the total value of agricultural produce and occupying only 0.2 percent of the total cropped area . The economic significance of tobacco in Pakistan is notable, as it plays a crucial role in the economy by generating income and contributing to federal excise duties .
FAQs:
Who regulates tobacco cultivation in Pakistan?
The Pakistan Tobacco Board is the government institution responsible for the regulation and promotion of tobacco cultivation in Pakistan .
What varieties of tobacco are grown in Pakistan?
Standard commercial varieties such as K399, NC95, SPEIGHT G-28, and HYBRID are grown in Pakistan. Genetically modified varieties are not allowed .
Where is tobacco primarily grown in Pakistan?
Tobacco is primarily grown in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, which accounts for more than three-quarters of the country’s tobacco production .
Why is tobacco cultivation significant for Pakistan’s economy?
Tobacco cultivation is significant for Pakistan’s economy because it generates income, provides employment opportunities, and contributes to federal excise duties .
How is tobacco cultivated in Pakistan?
Tobacco in Pakistan is cultivated by sowing seeds in seedbeds, maintaining specific plant spacing, and using compound fertilizers. The soil chemistry is managed to ensure appropriate nicotine and sugar levels.
Is tobacco farming a major source of employment in Pakistan?
Yes, tobacco farming provides employment opportunities, though it accounts for only 0.4 0.5% of agricultural employment in the country .
Can tobacco cultivation affect the country’s GDP?
Yes, tobacco farming and cigarette manufacturing contribute to the country’s GDP, though the percentage is less than 0.5% .
Does Pakistan have a significant share in the global tobacco market?
Yes, Pakistan is the 8th largest tobacco-growing country in the world as of 2017 .
Will the area under tobacco cultivation likely increase in the future?
The area under tobacco cultivation has not exceeded 0.25 percent of the total land under cultivation during the last two decades, indicating a relatively stable cultivation area .
Books:
For those interested in the broader context of tobacco cultivation and control, “Tobacco Control and Tobacco Farming: Separating Myth from Reality” is a relevant book that can provide insights into the complexities of tobacco farming and its implications for public health .
Sources of information:
Information on tobacco cultivation in Pakistan can be sourced from the Pakistan Tobacco Board, economic surveys, and research reports such as those provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Pakistan Tobacco Board’s own publications https://tobacconomics.org/files/research/483/Macroeconomic-impact-of-Tobacco-in-Pakistan.pdf
https://ptb.gov.pk/sites/default/files/2023-04/About%20FAQs.pdf
https://ptb.gov.pk/sites/default/files/2021-06/Pak%20Tobacco%20Journal.pdf
https://ptb.gov.pk/economic-significance-tobacco.
Citations:
Authoritative sources on the subject of growing tobacco in Pakistan include the Pakistan Tobacco Board, TobaccoTactics, and research reports that analyze the macroeconomic impact of tobacco in Pakistan https://tobaccotactics.org/article/tobacco-farming/
https://tobacconomics.org/files/research/483/Macroeconomic-impact-of-Tobacco-in-Pakistan.pdf
https://ptb.gov.pk/economic-significance-tobacco.