“I know the harm of growing this deadly crop but I am forced to continue” - Tobacco farmers' perspective from India
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1
Rome Business School, Health Care Management, India
2
Lunds University, Sweden, CRC, India
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Tob. Induc. Dis. 2018;16(Suppl 1):A536
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KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
India has been a Party of the
World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control since more
than a Decade, National Tobacco-Control Program (NTCP), of India is in place.
Though there were several tobacco control policies introduced in the country,
the production side of tobacco menace, alternative crops to tobacco still need
to strengthen further. Current study is based on a mixed methods observations
study to explore various perspectives of tobacco farmers on their
knowledge/awareness about health and tobacco, alternative crops options, and
feasibility issues.
Methods:
A
mixed method study conducted to explore the farmers perspectives on tobacco and
health, tobacco cultivation and alternative crops. A structured self-administered Quantitative
questionnaire used for Tobacco farmers (N=150) of 6 districts, Andhra Pradesh
state, India. Qualitative guide was used to conduct Focus Group Discussions
(FGDs) for 36 tobacco farmers of 3 districts from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
state.
Results:
Awareness of tobacco related health hazards are,
Tobacco crop is always profitable, previously the crop was profitable, always
on losses 8%, 45%, 40%.and
72%% mentioned alternative crops are essential. 88% believed the tobacco causes
various diseases, 4% consider the tobacco as a
profitable crop rather public health concern. About 4% farmers have cancer
patients in the family. About 28% said seek various forms of support from Govt,
and 22% ask for financial benefits to quit tobacco cultivation. Only 8% said
alternative crops not required. Qualitative findings revealed very interesting
factors about why Farmers forced to grow tobacco though they know its deadly
crop.
Conclusions:
This shows the role of
National tobacco control program must address the alternative crops alongside
of efforts to reduce Tobacco consumption. Farmers also addressed tobacco
industries monopoly in controlling tobacco price and taking over maximum
benefit out of tobacco crop than the farmer.