PTB asked to resolve issues of Tobacco Growers -

By: Our Correspondent

MARDAN: Commissioner Mardan Division, Nisar Ahmad, has said that tobacco is a cash crop of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a source of livelihood for millions of people. He urged the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) to safeguard the interests of farmers at all costs and immediately announce the surplus quota to prevent further losses for growers.
He made these remarks while addressing an important meeting convened in his office to discuss the challenges faced by tobacco farmers. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Mardan Wasif Rahman, PTB officials, representatives from tobacco companies, members of the Kisan Board, Anjuman Kashtkaran, Coordination Council Swabi and other relevant stakeholders.
Commissioner Nisar Ahmad stated that the board should determine production targets through research and forecasting to maintain market balance and ensure fair compensation for farmers. He stressed strict enforcement of the quota system and timely payments for the harvested crop. He directed companies to complete procurement as per their agreements and ensure prompt payments at PTB’s set prices. He also instructed companies to arrange the purchase of lower-quality tobacco to prevent farmers’ efforts from going to waste.
Highlighting the importance of environmental responsibility, the commissioner urged companies to allocate a portion of their earnings for tree plantation to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Farmers’ representatives expressed their concerns, stating that PTB and companies were not fulfilling their responsibilities. Rizwanullah Mohmand of the Kisan Board, Ajmal Shah Roghani of Anjuman Kashtkaran, and Nasir Khan of the Coordination Council complained that the procurement process lacked transparency. They said that although buying centers were opened on July 4, many companies failed to begin timely purchases, causing severe distress to farmers.
They further alleged that smaller companies were reluctant in purchasing lower-grade tobacco, while larger firms performed comparatively better. Although 17 quality grades were officially designated, companies failed to adhere to them. Even high-quality tobacco was bought below the allocated quota, they said.
The representatives demanded that companies be brought under a digital monitoring system and that the board fulfill its regulatory role. They warned that nearly 1.5 million people connected to the tobacco sector could be adversely affected if corrective actions were not taken.
They thanked the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for their support but emphasized that the core issue remains the fair purchase of the existing crop from farmers. They urged the PTB to take strict action against companies involved in tactics such as downgrading or delayed payments. Additionally, they called for a revision of the purchase policy in light of changing climatic conditions and enforcement of regulations on smaller companies.
All stakeholders in the meeting agreed on the need for transparency in production, procurement, and pricing of tobacco, along with timely payments and quality-based purchases.
Commissioner Mardan assured the participants that the government is fully aware of the farmers’ concerns and will take all possible measures to resolve them.