By Nazrul Islam from Manikganj
Many tobacco farmers in Manikganj are experiencing heavy financial losses after receiving prices far below production costs despite earlier promises of profitable returns from tobacco companies.
Farmer Rahmat Ali, who cultivated tobacco for the first time in hopes of earning a better income, said buyers offered only BDT 150–170 per kilogram, while production costs required a price of at least BDT 250 per kilogram. As a result, many farmers are struggling to recover their investment and repay debts.
Farmers alleged that tobacco companies provide seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and advance payments at the beginning of the season, but later control prices by grading the harvested leaves, leaving growers with little bargaining power.
Health experts also warned that tobacco cultivation exposes farmers and their families to harmful chemicals, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases, dizziness, nausea, and other long-term health problems. Agricultural officials added that tobacco cultivation depletes soil fertility and increases dependence on chemical fertilizers.
The Department of Agricultural Extension is encouraging farmers to switch to more profitable and environmentally sustainable crops such as sugarcane, banana, and other food crops. Experts believe promoting alternative livelihoods is crucial for protecting farmers’ incomes, food security, public health, and the environment.
