Tobacco Farming in the New Nicotine Era: Why Indian Farmers Struggle to Transition — Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
May 29, 2026 by 2firsts.com
Tobacco Farming in the New Nicotine Era: Why Indian Farmers Struggle to Transition — Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
The transition to a new nicotine era is raising complex questions for tobacco-growing communities, particularly in countries where farming livelihoods remain closely tied to combustible tobacco markets. Indian farmers face structural barriers to diversification, including limited access to alternative crops, market uncertainty, debt pressures and dependence on established tobacco supply chains. The debate highlights that tobacco harm reduction and tobacco control policy cannot focus only on consumers, but must also consider the economic realities of producers. A sustainable shift away from smoking-related harm will require evidence-based regulation, viable agricultural transition pathways and policies that support farmers rather than leaving them behind.
9.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 100.2 million current smokers in India 16.70% of men are current smokers but only 1.40% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
