The native country of tobacco plant is said to be new
world i.e the continent of South America, and the Spanish discovered it in 1492 AD. The Spanish
took this plant from America with them and in the beginning it was used in the preparation of
medicines. In Holland its cultivation began in 1615 AD. And with the passage of time it spread
to other parts of the world. Dried tobacco leaves are used in different ways. It consumption
causes intoxicant effects. Though medically its use is injurious to life, however, the people
use tobacco in cigarettes, Snuff, Cigar, and Pan etc.
PHYSICAL FACTORS:- For the growth of tobacco following Physical conditions are wanted.
TEMPERATURE:-Tobacco is
cultivated in the tropical and temperate regions. The temperature require ranging from 50
degree F to 80 degree F. Cold temperature is very dangerous for this crop.
RAINFALL:-For cultivation of
tobacco having 20 to 30 inches rainfall annually i.e Sub-tropical areas are suitable. Excessive
rainfall and stagent water in the roots of the plants is harmfull for the crops. Rain or water
supplied after intervals should be provided intermittent water should be provided.
SOIL:-Fertile soil is wanted
for the proper growth of tobacco crop. After the cultivation the fertility of land decreases so
the natural and artificial fertilizers are used.
ECONOMIC FACTORS:-Economic factors
plays an important role in the better cultivation of tobacco. The following are the main economic
factors for the cultivation of tobacco:
- CHEAP LABOUR
- USE OF GOOD QUALITY SEEDS
- MEANS OF TRANSPORT
- ARRANGMENT OF PROPER MARKET
- NEAR NESS TO MARKETS AND PORTS
KINDS OF TOBACCO
The following are the main kinds of tobacco found in our country.
- Desi kind
- Virginia tobacco
The cultivation areas of Pakistan can be divided into three types.
AREAS HAVING ABUNDANT PRODUCTION:- Districts
Peshawas and Mardan of NWFP province are at the top of the list of tobacco producing areas and
from total production 54% are cultivated in these two districts and 50% production is obtained
from these areas.
THE AREAS HAVING MODERATE PRODUCTION:- This area
comprises of the central Eastern districts of Punjab. In these Faisalabad, Sahiwal, T.T.Singh,
Gujranwala, and in NWFP area Mansehra and in Baluchistan district Pishin's area are included.
LESS PRODUCTIVE AREAS:- The surrounding
districts moderate tobacco producing areas i.e. Sheikhupura, Okara, Vehari, Multan, Jhang,
Gujrat and Attock are included in this category
| YEAR |
PRODUCTION(000 TONNES) |
| 1996-97 |
92 |
| 1997-98 |
98.6 |
| 1998-99 |
109
|
| Percent increase |
11.23% |
| 1999-2000 |
Nill |
The following graph shows the production of tobacco in different years and tells that it
production was terminated in 1999-2000 due to the international community.
| PROVINCES OF PRODUCTION |
PERSCENT AGE PRODUCTION |
| NWFP |
65% |
| Punjab |
31% |
| Baluchistan |
3.5% |
| Sindh |
0.5% |
The following pie chart shows the production of tobacco in different provinces of Pakistan.
