Governor Kundi assures support to tobacco growers

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tobacco Action Committee called on Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi here on Sunday and discussed the challenges faced by tobacco growers in the province.

The delegation, comprising Biland Khan Tarakai, Irshad Khan and other office-bearers, informed the Governor that farmers in Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Buner and Mansehra were facing severe difficulties due to excessive taxation and low prices of tobacco.

They said that instead of resolving their issues, government policies were aggravating their problems, adding that taxes were being increased every year.

The delegation maintained that despite contributing over Rs 3.25 billion to the provincial economy, the current policies were forcing farmers to abandon tobacco cultivation.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed full solidarity with the growers and acknowledged tobacco as an important crop of the province.

He assured the delegation of his complete support and said that efforts would be made to encourage farmers, citing the recent organization of a farmers’ award in the province.

He proposed the formation of a joint committee comprising representatives of farmers, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Customs and the Pakistan Tobacco Board to collectively address the issue through consultation.

The Governor reiterated his commitment to extend full cooperation to tobacco growers in resolving their concerns.

A luncheon was also hosted in honour of the Governor on the occasion. APP