The proposed World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines will only ruin the livelihoods of millions of farmers in the tobacco growing countries, instead of producing the desired results, according to International Tobacco Growers' Association (ITGA).

ITGA Chief Executive Officer Antonio Abrunhosa said that proposed guidelines, if implemented, would only lead to shifting of the tobacco production to other countries which aren’t a party to the treaty.

Abrunhosa said if India, the world’s second biggest tobacco producer, would be a big loser if it implements the new guidelines.

It may be noted here that the world’s five top tobacco producing countries, viz. the United States, Argentina, Malawi, Indonesia and Zimbabwe, have refused to sign the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Criticizing Indian government’s plan to sign the FCTC, Abrunhosa said, “Five of the eight biggest tobacco growing states are not a part of the treaty. Hence any dream of reducing the production of tobacco will just remain a dream.”

Abrunhosa has been networking with tobacco producers of Andhra Pradesh, which is one of the biggest tobacco producing states in India.

The FCTC meet is all set to take place in Seoul next week. It is expected to endorse a number of guidelines, such as mandating of the seasons, restricting the crop area and limiting financial & technical support for tobacco farming.