The Federation of All India Farmers Association (FAIFA) has urged to the Centre to safeguard farmer livelihoods by deterring a proposal to raise the size in health warnings on tobacco products.Health Ministry has arise with a proposal for 85 %of pictorial warnings on both sides of cigarette pack, a move being opposed by tobacco sector.

On Tuesday,the statement released  by FAIFA general secretary P.S. Murali Babu said , “FCV tobacco growers had been facing difficulties due to the punitive taxation and stringent regulations”

Mr. Murali Babu aaded, “We appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to uphold the due democratic, parliamentary and legislative process and allow it to prevail in India and not get side-tracked by allowing undue, fast-tracked benefits to foreign powers who would benefit from the untimely demise of Indian tobacco industry and tobacco farming in India,’’

The Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation constituted to audit the rules under Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA) had tabled its suggestions after hectic consultation with all shareholder groups and the concerned ministries.

It was suggested warning size to be finished at 50 pc of cigarette pack on both sides which is raise of 250 pc of space and 50 pc on one side for beedis, khainis, etc.