Tobacco cultivation threatens public health, aquatic life

Driven by the lure of higher profits, marginal farmers in 11 upazilas of Tangail are shifting from traditional crops to tobacco cultivation. Domestic and foreign bidi-cigarette companies are encouraging this shift by providing advance payments, seeds, fertilizers, and packaging materials.

Particularly in the vast char areas of Bhuapur Upazila, fertile land rich in Jamuna’s alluvial soil is now dominated by tobacco fields. This shift is not only degrading soil fertility but also causing environmental pollution and increasing health risks. Tobacco farmers, in particular, are experiencing various health issues. Malnutrition is rising as food crops are being replaced, affecting people of all ages, especially children.

Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in tobacco farming is contaminating rivers and water bodies, threatening fish and all aquatic life, while also damaging biodiversity.

Agricultural officials and analysts report that even before the cultivation season begins, company representatives determine the price of tobacco and provide advance payments. Regular field visits and guidance from these companies further entice farmers into tobacco cultivation, despite its known harms.

Bhuapur Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, stated that 53 hectares of land in Jamuna's char areas are now under tobacco cultivation.

A visit to Char Gabshara in Arjuna Union revealed a significant number of female workers involved in tobacco farming. Women, alongside men, are actively engaged in cultivation, harvesting tobacco leaves and stems, and drying them on bamboo racks. Children also assist in the process.

Several tobacco farmers, including Dulli, Ayesha, and Rumela, mentioned that female workers earn 300 taka per day, while male workers receive 550 taka. However, they are provided with soap for washing their hands after handling tobacco leaves.

Local resident Jalal Sheikh noted that domestic and foreign bidi-cigarette companies are luring farmers with higher profits and advance payments. Trapped by these offers, farmers are sacrificing their health and the environment in favor of tobacco cultivation.

Tobacco farmer Shukur Ali claimed that tobacco farming yields twice the profit compared to other crops. He admitted that British American Tobacco, Akij Tobacco, and local bidi businesses in Tangail supply farmers with seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, tarpaulins, and packaging materials. Farmers cultivate, dry, and deliver the tobacco to these companies.

According to Shukur Ali, company representatives purchase tobacco at 130 to 200 taka per kilogram, depending on the quality.

Professor Dr. Sharif Talukdar of the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH) in Mohakhali, Dhaka, warned that prolonged exposure to tobacco farming increases the risk of cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, bronchitis, asthma, skin diseases, chest pain, and neck pain. Additionally, those who chew raw tobacco or smoke have a significantly higher risk of heart disease.

Bhuapur Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Mokhlesur Rahman acknowledged that "impoverished char farmers are unknowingly harming their health and land in pursuit of higher profits." He emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns and discouragement of tobacco cultivation through grassroots initiatives.

However, analysts blame the agriculture department's inaction for the rise in tobacco farming. They argue that if the department conducted regular monitoring, organized seminars on the harmful effects of tobacco, and promoted alternative crops, farmers in char areas would not be so inclined to grow tobacco.

Former Joint Secretary of the Public Works Ministry, Shariful Islam, noted that before modern technology, landowners were required to provide tobacco for 10 to 20 farm laborers daily for their hookahs. This led farmers to cultivate tobacco on their own land, initiating its widespread cultivation.

He further stated that tobacco consumption is causing new health problems, and urgent action is needed. Higher taxation on tobacco products and public awareness campaigns are necessary to discourage tobacco use.

Dr. Aman Ullah, Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, emphasized that tobacco farming, processing, marketing, and consumption are all highly harmful to both the environment and human health. The excessive use of chemicals in cultivation is polluting Jamuna’s waters, endangering fish, aquatic life, and overall biodiversity.

The Administrative Officer of the District Agricultural Extension Department stated that there are no government directives on tobacco farming, so they do not intervene or provide opinions on the matter.

However, he added that "to discourage farmers from growing tobacco, both public awareness campaigns and government regulations are necessary."