Thailand’s relationship with tobacco cultivation is both long-standing and complex. With a history that intertwines with the country’s economic development, tobacco farming has been a significant livelihood for thousands of Thai farmers. This article will explore the multifaceted aspects of growing tobacco in Thailand, from the historical context to the modern-day challenges and opportunities.
Historical Context of Tobacco in Thailand
The journey of tobacco in Thailand dates back to post-World War II when the country began to modernize its agricultural sector. The government’s push for modernization included the development of tobacco agriculture, which has since become a staple crop in certain regions of Thailand.
The Tobacco Cultivation Process
Tobacco cultivation in Thailand is a meticulous process that starts with the selection of seeds and spans to the harvesting of leaves. Farmers adhere to ‘good practices’ to ensure leaf quality, especially focusing on reducing chemical contamination.
The Role of the Tobacco Authority of Thailand
The Tobacco Authority of Thailand, under the supervision of the finance ministry, plays a pivotal role in the tobacco industry. It oversees everything from setting quotas to the production of cigarettes, maintaining a significant influence over the local market.
Tobacco Farming and Thai Economy
Tobacco farming directly and indirectly supports numerous households in Thailand and contributes significantly to government revenue through excise taxes. However, the economic benefits come with challenges that affect the livelihoods of tobacco farmers.
Challenges Faced by Thai Tobacco Farmers
Thai tobacco farmers face various challenges, including reduced quotas, fluctuating market demands, and the need for diversification. The loyalty to the tobacco industry is often reinforced by support such as loans and incentives, despite these challenges.
Contract Farming and Farmer Loyalty
Contract farming systems have been developed to streamline the cultivation and sale of tobacco. These contracts often include provisions for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, with purchase prices influenced by quality inspections.
Community and Tobacco Farming
Tobacco farming is not just an economic activity but also a social and cultural one. It is often a practice passed down through generations, deeply rooted in the community’s way of life.
The Future of Tobacco Farming in Thailand
With changing global attitudes towards tobacco, the future of tobacco farming in Thailand is uncertain. There is a growing desire among farmers to switch to alternative crops, driven by health concerns and economic factors.
Alternative Crops and Diversification
The push for diversification is strong, with farmers expressing interest in alternative crops. Support for a successful transition is crucial, as is the exploration of viable alternatives that can provide sustainable income.
Land Use and Sustainability
The use of quality agricultural land for tobacco cultivation raises questions about sustainability and food security. The environmental impact of tobacco farming is an ongoing concern.
Tobacco and Thai Biodiversity
Tobacco cultivation has implications for biodiversity in Thailand. The choice of crops and farming practices can affect the local flora and fauna, making it an important consideration for future agricultural policies.
Government Policies and Regulations
The Thai government’s policies and regulations play a critical role in shaping the tobacco industry. These include licensing, registration, and the control of tobacco product sales.
International Tobacco Companies’ Influence
International tobacco companies have long-standing relationships with Thai tobacco farmers. Their influence extends to various aspects of the industry, including the promotion of certain farming practices and lobbying against regulatory measures.
what are the economic benefits of growing tobacco in thailand
Growing tobacco in Thailand has several economic benefits.
- Employment: The tobacco industry in Thailand is a significant employer, especially in rural areas. It directly or indirectly supports around 50,000 households, particularly in the north and northeast of the country.
- Economic Contribution: In 2022, the Thai tobacco industry contributed nearly 60 billion baht from excise taxes, which accounted for 12% of the country’s total excise revenue.
- Resilience to Adverse Conditions: Tobacco is a crop that can withstand droughts and poor soil conditions, making it a reliable source of income for farmers in regions where other crops might fail.
- Support to Local Economy: The tobacco industry’s extensive value chain supports local economies. This includes not only the cultivation of tobacco but also the processing, manufacturing, and exporting of tobacco products.
- Contract Farming: Contract farming has been a significant factor in the persistence of tobacco agriculture in Thailand. Local firms have invested in curing plants and contracted with local farmers, providing them with the necessary technology and capital.
what are the most common tobacco varieties grown in thailand
The most common tobacco varieties grown in Thailand include:
- Burley Tobacco: This is an important economic tobacco variety in Thailand. It is marketed on a grade basis, and the position of the leaves on the plant determines the grade. The leaves of the tobacco plant are generally classified into four main groups: lug, cutter, leaf, and tip.
- Virginia Tobacco: This variety is predominantly grown in the Phrae region of Thailand. It is one of the most popular types of tobacco used in cigarettes due to its flavor and high nicotine content.
- Oriental Tobacco: This variety is entirely grown by farmers in the Roi-et region of Thailand. Oriental tobacco is known for its small, thin leaves and rich, unique flavor.
- Nicotiana Rustica: Also known as Aztec tobacco or strong tobacco, this is a very potent variety of tobacco, containing up to nine times more nicotine than common species of Nicotiana such as Nicotiana tabacum.
what are the main challenges faced by tobacco farmers in thailand
Details: Tobacco farmers in Thailand face several challenges, including:
- Health Risks: Tobacco farmers and their families face significant health risks due to exposure to tobacco and the chemicals used in its cultivation.
- Economic Challenges: Many tobacco farmers experience poverty, health problems, and a sense of hopelessness. The decline in the quality of life for tobacco farmers, particularly in economic and environmental domains, is a significant concern.
- Declining Demand: The prevalence of smoking in Thailand has steadily declined over the past 20 years, suggesting an effective tobacco control policy. This decline in demand can pose challenges for tobacco farmers.
- Land Use for Food Crops: There is a growing concern about the use of agricultural lands for tobacco cultivation when these could be used for food crops. This is particularly relevant given that approximately one in 10 people in Thailand lack access to sufficient food.
- Illicit Products: The growing availability and sale of illicit tobacco products, which often sell at lower prices, pose a challenge to the tobacco industry and, by extension, to tobacco farmers.
- Regulatory Measures: Proposed regulatory measures could potentially reduce government revenue from the tobacco industry, which could have implications for tobacco farmers.
Conclusion
Growing tobacco in Thailand is a practice steeped in history, culture, and economic significance. As the world evolves and new challenges emerge, Thai tobacco farmers are at a crossroads. Balancing economic needs with health, environmental, and social considerations will be key to the sustainable future of tobacco farming in Thailand.
Statistics on Growing Tobacco in Thailand
Economic Impact
Tobacco farming has a significant economic impact in Thailand. However, recent years have seen a decline in the quality of life for tobacco farmers, particularly in economic and environmental domains.
Production Volume
In 2019, Thailand produced approximately 66780 tons of tobacco on 19514 hectares of land.
Farmer Demographics
Thailand currently has approximately 16,000 farmers in Virginia and Burley tobacco, who are at risk of deteriorating quality of life because of the decline in tobacco purchases.
FAQs on Growing Tobacco in Thailand
- What is the historical background of tobacco farming in Thailand?
- How does contract farming work in the context of tobacco farming in Thailand?
- What is the process of tobacco cultivation in Thailand?
- What is the economic impact of tobacco farming in Thailand?
- What is the production volume of tobacco in Thailand?
- How many tobacco farmers are there in Thailand?
- What are the challenges faced by Thai tobacco farmers?
- What is the role of the Tobacco Authority of Thailand in tobacco farming?
- What are the social and cultural aspects of tobacco farming in Thailand?
- What is the regulatory framework for tobacco farming in Thailand?
- How does international influence affect tobacco farming in Thailand?
- What are the environmental considerations in tobacco farming in Thailand?
- How does tobacco farming contribute to the economy of Thailand?
- What are the future prospects for tobacco farming in Thailand?
- What are the alternatives to tobacco farming in Thailand?
Recommended Books on the Subject
Several books provide in-depth knowledge on the subject of tobacco farming in Thailand. These include “Tobacco Leaf Industry in Thailand” by Tantakitti and Taworanant and “Political Economy of Tobacco Control in Thailand” by Chantornvong and McCargo https://www.grafiati.com/en/literature-selections/tobacco-use-health-aspects-thailand/book/.
Sources of Information
Several sources provide valuable information on tobacco farming in Thailand. These include academic articles, government reports, and books https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/fs/article/download/13587/7415/55986
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9470139/
Thailand
https://www.grafiati.com/en/literature-selections/tobacco-use-health-aspects-thailand/book/.
Citations
This article cites several authoritative sources on the subject of tobacco farming in Thailand, including academic articles from the Forest and Society journal and the Tobacco Atlas https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/fs/article/download/13587/7415/55986
https://tobaccoatlas.org/factsheets/thailand/.