ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC) expects export potential of over $150 million for tobacco products during the ongoing financial year 2025-26.

“Tobacco is called a cash crop and directly impacts more than $65 million in economic activity. Our commitment to farmers goes beyond procurement – we invest in their training, ensure guaranteed purchase of quality leaf and create a sustainable livelihood model,” PTC Head of Leaf Imaduddin said while briefing journalists.

He said that total demand from all tobacco companies was around 81.5 million kilogrammes this year, of which PTC had a 25% share. However, the total crop production is nearly 140 million kg.

In case of surplus production, the Pakistan Tobacco Board ensures proportional allocation to companies, safeguarding farmer interests.

Imaduddin revealed that PTC has direct contracts with more than 10,000 farmers and through almost 150 technical experts, it provides technical training and agronomic support from seed sowing to harvest, ensuring responsible sourcing and quality enhancement.

It also offers financial assistance to farmers in terms of loans. Recently, PTC provided financial assistance of over Rs1 billion to tobacco farmers.

PTC clarified that the advance federal excise duty (FED), set at Rs390 per kg, was borne entirely by manufacturers and it did not affect farmers. “