BACKGROUND: Tobacco cultivation has shifted from developed countries to low- and middle-income countries and promises profits to the cultivator, but it also has serious negative impacts on the environment and health. Moreover, tobacco farmers and workers are exposed to various health hazards from handling tobacco leaves and agrochemicals, such as nicotine poisoning, respiratory problems, skin diseases and cancer. Besides, the final tobacco harvests are the actual raw materials used in the manufacture of smokeless and smoked tobacco products. This study investigates the current status of the measures to protect the environmental and public health consequences with respect to tobacco cultivation with special focus on Smokeless tobacco products.
METHODS: Published data on smokeless tobacco products were extracted from different sources such as WHO FCTC global progress reports, PubMed indexed articles, WHO reports on global tobacco epidemic, reports from the session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) etc. Besides, monographs, survey reports, tobacco control regulations and legislations at the regional and country levels were also reviewed.
RESULTS: WHO FCTC Articles 17 and 18 address tobacco cultivation and promote economically sustainable alternatives. Despite these goals, implementation among Parties remains limited. About half of the Parties acknowledge tobacco cultivation, with 31% supporting sustainable alternatives for farmers. 51 Parties have taken measure in respect to health impact of the individual due to tobacco manufacturing. In 2023, one-third of tobacco-growing Parties improved protective measures for health impacts, up from 37% in 2020. Additionally, 31 Parties now advocate for viable alternatives for farmers, an increase of three from 2020. Regarding Article 18, which involves policy options and recommendations, 18 Parties have implemented relevant measures.
CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to support tobacco farmers in transitioning to alternative crops and livelihoods that are more sustainable, profitable, and beneficial for both the environment and health.