BACKGROUND: Gujarat is one of India’s top tobacco producing states, with thousands of farmers relying on this cash crop for a living, Gujarat accounts for 48% of the country’s total tobacco production of 8 lakh tones. However, tobacco production has considerable obstacles, such as negative health effects, environmental degradation, and economic weaknesses as a result of fluctuating market demand and severe anti tobacco regulations. In response to these issues, crop diversification has gained traction, encouraging tobacco growers to switch to more sustainable and profitable crops.
METHODS: The campaign organized cycle rally it covered 220KM of distance across 6 districts Gujarat. With them of WNTD2023 “We Need Food Not Tobacco” engaging local communities to grow food crops instead of tobacco crops through skit, poster presentation, distribution material, and discussion highlighting the advantages of shifting to food crop cultivation. Collaborations with Agricultural, Health, Police Department, Panchayati Raj, were established to provide comprehensive support and information to the farming communities on the benefits of alternate cropping.
A survey was conducted to see how many farmers want to switch the cultivation from tobacco crop to other cash crops.
RESULTS: Agriculture schemes and subsidies prompt some farmers to switch crops, but short duration and lower cash crop prices hinder sustainability.
The survey found that most farmers (65%) have been growing tobacco for 15-30 years due to its profitability, though 75% acknowledged health risks and 63% cited soil fertility issues. Despite these challenges, 55% expressed interest in switching to alternative crops, driven by government support and health benefits.
CONCLUSIONS: A combination of long-term government subsidies (spanning 5 to 10 years), higher market prices for other cash crops compared to tobacco, and insurance coverage for alternative crops against nonseasonal climate events like floods or droughts could significantly incentive farmers to transition away from tobacco farming, reducing its prevalence.