SWABI, July 13: The tobacco growers and dealers have rejected the imposition of Rs2 per kilogramme cess on Virginia and White Patta tobacco, alleging that instead of taking steps for the relief of peasants, the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal government had put more financial burden on them.

In this connection, a two-day joint meeting of the dealers and growers was held. The dealers were led by Tobacco Dealers Association President Iftikhar Ahmad Khan and Anjuman-i-Kashtkaran President Alam Sher Khan represented the growers.

Mr Iftikhar Ahmad said the purchase of White Patta tobacco had already been stopped by the companies. He expressed concern over the future of this variety, saying it would deprive a number of families of their source of livelihood.

Mr Alam Sher said the federal government collected Rs20 billion through direct and indirect taxes on tobacco every year. He alleged that in the current year over Rs68 million cess was “devoured” by the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB). He said Pakistan Tobacco Company, Lakson Tobacco Company and small cigarette manufactures had already declared that they would collect the newly-imposed cess from the growers.