Rising tobacco cultivation poses serious risks in Ramu, Chakaria

COX'S BAZAR, Feb 09: Tobacco cultivation is increasing at an alarming rate in Ramu and Chakaria upazilas of Cox's Bazar, raising serious concerns among agriculturalists, environmentalists and public health experts.

Fertile farmlands once used for rice, vegetables and pulses are now being overtaken by tobacco fields, threatening food security, ecological balance and community health in the region. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), around 550 hectares of land have been brought under tobacco cultivation in Cox's Bazar district during the current season, with Ramu and Chakaria accounting for the largest share. Last year, tobacco was cultivated on approximately 680 hectares across the district. Although the overall acreage has declined slightly this year, experts warn that the risks remain significant.

Officials from the DAE say that once tobacco is cultivated, the affected land gradually loses its capacity to support food crops such as rice and vegetables. Over time, the soil becomes degraded and unproductive.

Many farmers are being drawn to tobacco cultivation by the promise of higher returns. However, experts caution that the profits are short-lived. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in tobacco farming rapidly depletes soil fertility and contaminates nearby water bodies, including canals and rivers.

Environmentalists warn that tobacco cultivation and the curing process release toxic fumes, which pose serious threats to both the environment and human health. Medical professionals report a rise in skin diseases, respiratory problems and eye irritation among workers involved in tobacco farming. Children and women are particularly vulnerable.

Miraj Ahmed, a resident of Ramu, said that fresh vegetables were once easily available in his area. "Now the fields are filled with tobacco. The strong smell of pesticides makes it difficult to breathe, and children often fall sick," he said.

Monir Ahmed, a farmer from Fasiakhali in Chakaria, expressed concern over water pollution. "Tobacco is being cultivated along the riverbanks. During the rainy season, chemicals wash into the river. Fish are disappearing, and water quality has deteriorated," he said.

Tobacco farmer Ahmed Hossain said tobacco companies provide seeds, fertilisers and advance payments, making the crop financially attractive. "But now I realise the soil is losing its strength. Other crops are no longer growing well," he admitted. Another farmer, Ramiz Uddin from Gorjania in Ramu, said, "It looks profitable in one season, but when you consider medical expenses and long-term damage to the land, it is a loss. Still, we have no alternative source of income, which makes it difficult to quit tobacco."

H.M. Faridul Alam Shaheen, joint convener of Dharitri Rokkhae Amra (DHARA) Cox's Bazar unit, warned that tobacco cultivation is leading to a major environmental crisis. Tobacco farming pollutes soil, water and air. Large amounts of firewood are used to cure tobacco leaves, increasing the risk of deforestation," he said.

He added that continued tobacco cultivation along riverbanks and wetlands could cause irreversible damage to water resources and biodiversity.

Dr. Shantanu Ghosh, Resident Medical Officer of Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, said there has been a noticeable increase in health problems among tobacco farm workers.

"Skin diseases, respiratory ailments and eye irritation are common. Children and women are the worst affected. The chemicals used in tobacco cultivation are destroying soil nutrients and reducing local food production," he said.

Dr. Bimal Kumar Pramanik, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Cox's Bazar, said tobacco cultivation severely degrades soil fertility and renders land unfit for long-term agriculture.

"We are encouraging farmers to shift towards vegetables, pulses and other profitable alternative crops. However, many farmers are being lured by advance payments and inputs offered by tobacco companies," he said.

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