Growing tobacco in Bangladesh Bangladesh has become a significant producer and supplier of tobacco leaf worldwide. Tobacco farming in the country has expanded in recent years, with farmers switching from rice cultivation to tobacco farming due to better profits and guaranteed demand from tobacco companies . Tobacco cultivation in Bangladesh primarily takes place in the districts of Rangpur, Kushtia, and Bandarban . Early Beginnings Tobacco cultivation in Bangladesh dates back to the 17th century during the British colonial period. Initially, it was grown in small quantities for personal use and local trade. Modern Developments In recent decades, tobacco farming has expanded significantly due to the high demand from local and international tobacco companies. Today, Bangladesh is one of the top tobacco-producing countries in the world. Planting Tobacco planting in Bangladesh typically begins in November. The seeds are sown in seedbeds and, after 45-60 days, the seedlings are transplanted to the main field. Growing Tobacco plants require a lot of care and attention. Farmers must regularly water, weed, and apply fertilizers and pesticides to ensure healthy growth. Harvesting Harvesting usually starts three months after transplanting. The leaves are picked, sorted by quality, and then dried in the sun or in specially designed barns. Benefits for Farmers Tobacco farming provides a stable income for many farmers in Bangladesh. The high demand and guaranteed market make it a lucrative crop. Contribution to the National Economy Tobacco farming contributes significantly to the national economy. It generates employment, provides raw materials for the tobacco industry, and earns foreign exchange through exports. Environmental Concerns Tobacco farming has a negative impact on the environment. It leads to deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution due to the heavy use of chemicals. Government Policies The government is implementing policies to control tobacco cultivation due to its harmful effects on health and the environment. These include promoting alternative crops and providing support to farmers to switch to other forms of farming. Alternatives to Tobacco Farming There is a growing interest in alternative crops such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. These crops are not only environmentally friendly but also have the potential to provide higher income for farmers. Conclusion Tobacco farming in Bangladesh is a complex issue with economic, social, and environmental implications. While it provides a livelihood for many farmers, it also poses significant challenges. The future of tobacco farming in the country will depend on how these challenges are addressed and the alternatives that are developed. Statistics: The area devoted to tobacco growing in Bangladesh has been fluctuating over the past three decades. It fell steadily for most of this period before rising sharply in 2010. Between 2011 and 2014, the area was around 120,000 hectares, but then decreased to 105,000 hectares in 2017-2018. Tobacco leaf production increased from about 40,000 tons in 2000-2009 to about 80-90 thousand tons in 2011-2018. The share of exported tobacco rose from about 2.5% in 2000 to early 34% in 2009 . Sources of information: “Tobacco Cultivation in Bangladesh” – craftbd.org https://www.craftbd.org/articles/50/Tobacco-Cultivation-in-Bangladesh “Factors Associated with Cultivation of Tobacco in Bangladesh: A Multilevel Modelling Approach” – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344697/ “Hungry for tobacco: an analysis of the economic impact of tobacco consumption on the poor in Bangladesh” – tobaccocontrol.bmj.com https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/10/3/212 Citations: Craftbd.org. (2023). Tobacco Cultivation in Bangladesh https://www.craftbd.org/articles/50/Tobacco-Cultivation-in-Bangladesh. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. (2020). Factors Associated with Cultivation of Tobacco in Bangladesh: A Multilevel Modelling Approach https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344697/. Tobaccocontrol.bmj.com. (2023). Hungry for tobacco: an analysis of the economic impact of tobacco consumption on the poor in Bangladesh https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/10/3/212.