FAIFA Slams WHO-FCTC for Denying Farmer Participation at COP11 2025

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The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) has strongly criticised the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) for barring tobacco farmers and their representatives from attending the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11), scheduled in Geneva from November 17 to 22, 2025. According to FAIFA, the rejection of farmers’ participation requests on the grounds that their interests conflict with the FCTC’s objectives is both unjustified and discriminatory.

FAIFA’s Stand And Key Concerns

FAIFA President P. S. Murali Babu expressed disappointment over the decision, stating that it undermines the inclusive and transparent values upheld by the United Nations and the WHO. He pointed out that Articles 17 and 18 of the FCTC explicitly call for protecting farmers’ livelihoods and promoting sustainable alternatives to tobacco cultivation, making their exclusion contradictory to the treaty’s own principles. FAIFA emphasised that denying farmers the opportunity to voice their concerns in discussions that directly affect them is undemocratic and counterproductive.

Significance Of India’s Tobacco Industry

India is the second-largest producer of tobacco globally, after China, and ranks fourth in Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco production, behind China, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. The country is also the second-largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco, with exports valued at Rs 12,006 crore in 2023–24. FAIFA noted that over 36 million Indians are engaged in tobacco cultivation, processing, and trading, making the sector a vital source of rural employment and income.

Risks Of Excluding Farmers From Policy Discussions

FAIFA warned that continuing to exclude farmers from international policy dialogues could alienate millions of families dependent on tobacco-related livelihoods. It argued that decisions made without farmer participation could disrupt rural economies and weaken livelihood security. The organisation urged the WHO-FCTC Secretariat to acknowledge farmers as key stakeholders in global tobacco-control policymaking.

Call For Inclusion At COP11

Reiterating its demand for representation, FAIFA called for farmer delegates to be included at COP11 as observers or official stakeholders. The association stated that constructive engagement between policymakers and farmers is essential to achieving both public health goals and economic balance. FAIFA appealed to global leaders to pursue inclusive, dialogue-based policymaking, ensuring that future agricultural and health strategies are fair, sustainable, and participatory.

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