Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Food shortage due to increasing cultivation of Tobacco : WHO

The World Health Organization in its statement released on the World No Tobacco Day said that due to the increasing cultivation of tobacco around the world, the food shortage has become serious, which affects not only humans but also animals


When I put this question to the Google Bard. It has responded this information. 

That's right. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that tobacco cultivation takes up around 20 million hectares of land worldwide, which is an area the size of Greece. This land could be used to grow food, which would help to reduce food insecurity.

Tobacco cultivation also requires a lot of water and pesticides, which can pollute the environment and harm wildlife. For example, tobacco smoke can kill bees, which are important pollinators.

The WHO is calling on governments to take steps to reduce tobacco cultivation, such as by increasing taxes on tobacco products and banning tobacco advertising. They are also calling on tobacco companies to be more transparent about their environmental impact.

Here are some of the ways that tobacco cultivation can impact food security:

  • Reduced crop yields: Tobacco plants require a lot of water and nutrients, which can compete with food crops for resources. This can lead to reduced crop yields, which can make it more difficult to feed the world's growing population.
  • Increased food prices: The high demand for tobacco can drive up the price of land, which can make it more expensive to grow food. This can make food less affordable for people who are already struggling to make ends meet.
  • Reduced access to land: Tobacco cultivation can displace food crops, which can make it harder for people to access the food they need. This is especially a problem in developing countries, where land is often scarce.

The WHO is calling on governments to take action to reduce tobacco cultivation and protect food security. They are also calling on tobacco companies to be more transparent about their environmental impact.

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