Rising tobacco cultivation in Kushtia

In Kushtia district, tobacco cultivation is steadily increasing due to the influence and inducements offered by tobacco companies. Areas that once produced rice, pulses, vegetables and other food crops are now being widely converted into tobacco fields effectively turning fertile farmland into a harmful crop zone. This shift is directly undermining food production and in the long run, it may lead to serious food shortages.

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in tobacco farming is contaminating both soil and water. The resulting environmental damage is not confined to agricultural land alone, it is also affecting nearby rivers, water bodies and the surrounding ecosystem. At the same time, the health of farmers and labourers is being severely impacted. Cases of respiratory problems, skin diseases and other long-term health complications are on the rise.

Moreover, tobacco companies are encouraging farmers to grow this hazardous crop by offering attractive but deceptive incentives. This practice poses a serious threat not only to farmers but to the health and safety of the entire community.

Therefore, it is imperative that the relevant authorities and the Department of Agriculture took effective steps to reduce tobacco cultivation and promoted alternative, food-friendly crops. Strong measures are also needed to curb the aggressive influence of tobacco companies. Otherwise, the people of Kushtia will continue to face growing risks to both food security and public health.

Muhammad Shafayat Hussain

Student

Department of Physics

Kushtia Government College, Kushtia

kobishafayat@gmail.com