In News:

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its latest report on global tobacco use, covering trends from 2000 to 2024 and projecting patterns through 2030. The report provides insights into the prevalence of tobacco consumption among individuals aged 15 years and above and assesses progress toward global reduction targets.

Global Tobacco Trends

• Declining Prevalence: Adult tobacco use worldwide decreased from 26.2% in 2010 to 19.5% in 2024.
• Continued Burden: Despite progress, approximately 1 in 5 adults still consumes tobacco.
• Rise of E-Cigarettes: Over 100 million people use e-cigarettes globally, introducing new regulatory and public health challenges.

India’s Tobacco Landscape

• Users (2024): Around 243.48 million Indians aged 15 and above consume tobacco.
• Global Ranking: India is the 2nd largest producer (after China) and 2nd largest exporter (after Brazil) of tobacco.
• Progress: India is projected to achieve a 43% reduction in prevalence between 2010–2025, surpassing the WHO’s NCD target of 30% reduction.

Measures to Control Tobacco Use in India

• Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003:
  • Prohibits smoking in public areas.
  • Bans tobacco advertising.
  • Restricts sales to minors.
  • Mandates packaging and labeling standards.
• Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019:Outlaws theproduction, import, sale, and promotion of e-cigarettes and similar devices.
• National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP, 2007–08):
  • Promotes awareness of health risks associated with tobacco.
  • Aligns with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
• Tobacco-Free Film Rules, 2024:Enforces restrictions on tobacco depiction in films and television content.
• Yellow Line Campaign:Marks 100-yard boundaries around schools to enforce tobacco sales bans.
• Taxation and Pricing:Incremental hikes in excise and GST duties on tobacco products, though experts suggest further increases to maximize impact.

About Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

• Botanical Profile: An annual herbaceous plant, native to tropical/subtropical South America, widely cultivated globally.
• Cultivation Requirements:
  • Frost-free period of 90–120 days.
  • Optimal temperature: 20–30°C.
  • Rainfall: Minimum 500 mm; thrives in well-drained sandy loam or alluvial soils.
• Nicotine Content: All parts (except seeds) contain nicotine (2–8%), predominantly concentrated in the leaves (~64% of total plant nicotine).

Significance

The WHO report highlights that while tobacco use is declining globally, substantial public health efforts are still needed, particularly in regulating emerging products like e-cigarettes. India’s multi-pronged approach—legal frameworks, awareness campaigns, taxation, and innovative interventions—demonstrates a strong commitment to achieving tobacco-free goals by 2025.