Analysis of flue cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco production and marketing in District Mansehra of NWFP.

摘要

This study reports on the production and marketing of flue-cured Virginia tobacco in three villages of Mansehra district, Pakistan Northwest Frontier, during 2004. Primary data were collected from 90 farmers through a pre-tested questionnaire. The results revealed that growers' education was directly related to more tobacco cultivation. Tobacco yield had tremendously increased during the past 15 years. With experience, the growers had found tobacco-peas-tobacco as the best cropping pattern, and this has been adopted by 65% of the respondents. The average estimated net profit per hectare from tobacco production was Rs. 5844, which was much lower than that for potatoes, tomatoes, onions. However, profits from crops in rotation, sure disposal/marketing, self-employment and fixed minimum prices have made tobacco a crop of choice for farmers. Among the respondents, 64% were tenants, 14% were landowners and 21% were owner-cum-tenants. The Pakistan Tobacco Company and Lakson Company were the two major companies working in the area with a market share of 79% and 21%, respectively. Farmers who interact with extension workers got a better average price for their tobacco leaf. Cultivation problems identified included pests and diseases, natural calamities, lack of skilled labour, and high prices of inputs. Marketing problems reported were: low prices for cured tobacco, the presence of many farmers at a single sale point, and non-availability of farm-to-market pakka roads..