SWABI: Farmers have appealed to the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) and the federal minister for national food security and research to rationalise the minimum indicative price (MIP) for the upcoming purchasing season of the crop, thus enabling them to get appropriate price of their produce.

The demand was made in a letter written to the federal minister for national food security and research.

“Tobacco growers are playing a critical role in the tobacco industry, generating employment for thousands, revenue for the federal government through taxes and foreign exchange from exports. Therefore, time has come to realise the contribution and hardships of growers,” the letter said.

The minister was informed in the letter that there was dire need for improving the economic condition of growers, but in case of failure the tobacco industry will collapse due to the collapse of its foundation – the growers, causing unimaginable economic and social loss to the country.

It was further elaborated that the market average price should not be less than the previous year, thus fulfilling the requirements of tobacco marketing law, MLO-487.

However, the letter noted that the tobacco marketing law had been flagrantly violated by the companies.

The letter pointed out that the main purpose of the MIP policy was to protect tobacco growers from financial loss; however, historically the Economic Coordination Committee kept MIP almost equal to the cost of production (COP), and if growers got a price equal to COP, then where was the return for the eight months of rigorous labour.

When contacted, leaders of growers claimed PTB always toed the policy of companies, setting aside the interests of growers.

Officials of companies said they purchased tobacco according to the price set by the government.

The ministry officials didn’t attend the calls.

SPORTS GALA: Vice-Chancellor of Women’s University Swabi Prof Mian Syed Khan has emphasised that female students should actively participate in extracurricular activities alongside their academic pursuits.

He expressed these views while addressing the closing ceremony of a four-day Sports and Business Gala at the varsity.

He said such activities not only contributed to their physical and mental development but also enhanced their leadership and self-confidence.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing all possible support and facilities to students so they could refine their skills and establish their identity at national and international levels.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2025