A prominent business leader from Nadi, Dr. Ram Raju, president of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has called for the closure of the tobacco industry in favor of more sustainable agricultural practices, specifically advocating for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables or medical marijuana. Dr. Raju, a former president of the Fiji College of General Practitioners, criticized the government’s plan to raise tobacco taxes by $53 million over the next five years, arguing that similar tax increases over the past 40 years have been ineffective in reducing tobacco use in Fiji.
Dr. Raju emphasized the need for a complete shutdown of the tobacco industry, proposing the search for alternative income sources for those who depend on tobacco farming. He expressed concern over the significant health impacts linked to tobacco use, highlighting the inadequate results of previous tax hikes on tobacco products. He contesting the claims of an annual tobacco-related medical bill exceeding $600 million and questioned the estimate of 1,200 deaths attributed to smoking-related illnesses, asserting that the actual figures are likely much higher and warrant further investigation.
While waiting for responses from tobacco authorities, there are discussions within the industry regarding the potential rise of a black market if such drastic measures are implemented. The existing suki market, which has seen increased demand, raises concerns about the possible repercussions of shutting down the legal tobacco market.
This perspective emphasizes the possibility of transforming the agricultural landscape and promoting healthier alternatives, which could not only improve public health but also create sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and communities.
In summary, Dr. Raju’s call to action reflects a growing movement towards re-evaluating the socio-economic implications of tobacco farming and exploring healthier alternatives that benefit both the economy and public health.
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