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 below the approved rate.
According 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. However, 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.
Growers 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). They argue that strict enforcement is essential to protect farmers from unfair market practices and financial exploitation.
Farmers 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’s approved quota and guaranteed contracted area. They believe this would help balance production with demand and protect growers from future losses.
Another major concern highlighted by growers is the increasing availability of imported and illegally traded cigarettes in Pakistan. They 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.
Agricultural 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.
Farmers maintain that timely action is essential to ensure the sustainability of Pakistan’s tobacco sector, secure fair returns for growers, and strengthen the country’s economy.
