FAIFA Criticises WHO-FCTC COP11 for Excluding Tobacco Farmers

• The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) has strongly criticised the decision of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) to exclude tobacco farmers and their representatives from participating in the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) . The global meeting is scheduled to be held in Geneva from November 17 to 22, 2025 .
• FAIFA termed the exclusion “illogical and discriminatory,” arguing that it undermines the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and fairness that the UN and WHO are expected to uphold. The farmers’ request to attend as observers was reportedly denied on the grounds that their interests conflicted with FCTC’s health objectives.

FAIFA’s Objections and Arguments

• FAIFA President P. S. Murali Babu expressed disappointment, stating that excluding farmers from discussions that directly affect their livelihoods was undemocratic . He pointed out that Articles 17 and 18 of the FCTC require member nations to protect the livelihoods of tobacco farmers and promote sustainable alternatives , making their participation crucial to achieving the treaty’s goals.
• The federation also criticised the one-sided policy approach that ignores the socio-economic realities of millions dependent on tobacco cultivation. FAIFA urged the FCTC Secretariat to adopt a more inclusive and balanced decision-making framework .

India’s Tobacco Sector: Economic Significance

• India is the world’s second-largest producer of tobacco after China and the second-largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco after Brazil. In 2023–24 , India’s tobacco exports were valued at ₹12,006 crore , while the industry provided livelihoods to over 36 million people , including farmers, labourers, and traders.
• FAIFA highlighted that tobacco cultivation, particularly Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, supports rural economies in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana . It warned that excluding farmers from global forums could destabilise these regions’ economic fabric.

FAIFA’s Appeal for Inclusion

• FAIFA has appealed to the WHO-FCTC to allow farmer representatives to attend COP11 as observers, stressing that inclusive dialogue is essential for formulating balanced policies that protect both public health and economic livelihoods . The association emphasised that decisions made without consulting farmers risk marginalising millions and undermining rural stability .

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Event: WHO-FCTC COP11

• Venue: Geneva, Switzerland

• Dates: November 17–22, 2025

• FAIFA: Represents Indian tobacco farmers

• India’s Global Rank: 2nd in tobacco production and exports

• Livelihood Impact: Over 36 million people depend on the tobacco sector