Islamabad: Tobacco growers across Pakistan have strongly opposed a proposal to abolish the existing tobacco price mechanism, warning that the move could severely affect farmers’ incomes and create uncertainty in the agricultural sector.
Representatives of tobacco growers said the current pricing mechanism provides growers with a minimum level of financial protection by ensuring fair prices for their produce. They argued that removing the system would leave farmers vulnerable to exploitation by buyers and tobacco companies, particularly during the marketing season.
According to growers, the existing mechanism has played a key role in maintaining transparency in tobacco trading and protecting small-scale farmers from sharp price fluctuations. They stressed that eliminating the regulated pricing system could result in lower farm-gate prices, reduced profitability, and financial hardship for thousands of farming families.
Farmer leaders urged the government to consult all stakeholders before making any policy changes. They said any decision affecting the tobacco sector should safeguard growers’ interests while ensuring a stable supply chain for the industry.
The growers also called on policymakers to strengthen agricultural support measures instead of removing existing protections. They emphasized that predictable pricing is essential for farmers planning future cultivation and investing in crop production.
The issue has sparked debate among stakeholders, with growers insisting that the current mechanism should remain in place until a comprehensive alternative is developed that protects both farmers and the industry’s long-term sustainability.
