Even though numerous protests to ban tobacco products are held on anti-tobacco day, powerful lobby is working to increase tobacco production, said district health officer Dr S M Malegowda.
He was speaking at a programme organised to mark Anti-tobacco Day at Vivekananda Institute for Leadership Development (V-Lead) here on Saturday. A drawing and essay writing competition was organised on the occasion. “While the ill-effects of tobacco are numerous, several people die each day following continuous consumption of tobacco. By 2020, the production of tobacco has to be reduced by 80 per cent according to the government’s policy, but intense lobbying is being taken up by farmers as the crop provides massive profits. Recently, a Member of Parliament has urged the Central commerce ministry to provide permission for 101 lakh kg of tobacco,” he pointed out.
“People should stop using tobacco as it causes ill-effects on one’s health. Smoking cigarettes at home would affect others also. It is important to improve awareness among the younger generation about the effects of tobacco,” he said.
Dr Malegowda opined that after banning smoking in public places, consumption of tobacco has reduced.
Anti-tobacco campaign member Vasanthkumar Mysoremath, V-Lead director S Sudarshan was present.
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