MARDAN: The participants of a meeting here on Monday demanded of the government to fix price of per kilogram tobacco at Rs280.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Kisan Board, Mehnatkash Labour Federation, Sarhad Agricultural and Rural Development Organisation and Islahi Jirga.

The participants of the meeting rejected Rs245 kilogram price of tobacco fixed by government. They decided to devise a line of action, keeping in view the skyrocketing prices of fertilisers and other agricultural items.

Speaking on the occasion, provincial president Kisan Board Rizwanullah alleged that farmers were being exploited through price hike in the country. He said that prices of fertilisers were increased manifold during the last few months that created many problems for growers.

He urged the quarters concerned to fix the price of tobacco at Rs280 per kilogram besides providing fertilisers to farmers at the price fixed by the government. He said that multinational companies fixed price of tobacco according to their will which was sheer injustice with farmers.

“Tobacco is called a cash crop that is why the government should make its export easy so that growers can access the international market,” said Rizwanullah.

Ibrarullah, president of Mehnatkash Labour Federation, on the occasion demanded of the government to take stern action against the smugglers of cigarettes. He alleged that multinational companies were terminating permanent employees and replacing them with contractual workers.

He demanded of the government to help in restoration of the employees, who were suspended or terminated by multinational companies and factories.

Hussain Ahmad, general secretary of Sarhad Agricultural and Rural Development Organisation, said that fertilisers of good qualities were available in the country but most of the farmers did not know about them. He said that government should pay attention to the issue and convey correct information about fertilisers to farmers.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2022