Tobacco Industry: Growers Demanded Consultations With the Government

The future is uncertain for tobacco farmers. The Eastern Tobacco Producers Association (ETPA) reported the latest developments that took place in the tobacco industry in Mauritius. She met the press on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.

Indeed, the TAO, which closed its plant in Mauritius to take root in Kenya, maintained an agreement with the Tobacco Board to support the tobacco industry in Mauritius until 2014. However, recently, the TAO has reviewed its position and decided to terminate the agreement after the second harvest season from June to December 2012.

As a result, farmers displayed their fears about their future in the tobacco industry. This is despite the annual compensation plan which will be allocated to tobacco growers by the BAT.

The President of the ETPA, Janveer Mauderbaccus, presents a study of the situation and proposes a different compensation plan. "This case was also sent to the Minister of Agro-Industry, Satish Faugoo, and we are still awaiting a response from him," he said.

Jack Bizlall, spokesman for the union, has not failed to report the lack of government interest. "If the state does nothing, it's a whole industry that will turn off, thereby penalizing some 176 growers and 2,000 employees. We need to think how they will be recycled into the economy, "he said.

This judgment has crippled the industry Mauritian tobacco leaves, especially as production is already declining since the plant closure of BAT in 2007.

According to the executive members of the ETPA, the only purpose of government is to reduce cigarette consumption without considering the cause of tobacco growers. The ETPA be said, however, ready to talk with authorities to reach an agreement.