Tobacco cultivation, an activity that boosts local economies in Venezuela

The cultivation of tobacco In Venezuela, it has become an activity that employs thousands of people and boosts the economy of several localities, where there are families who have been dedicated to this business, in some cases, for several generations, while other producers have joined in in recent years. last years. In the country there are 194 tobacco producers, 88.3% more than two decades ago, according to the president of the Venezuelan Association of Tobacco Growers told EFE. Tobacco (Avenculta), Rafael Russián, who explained that in the country there are areas that depend solely on this sector and its economies “they become dynamic” and “they move” for this activity.

He, like other producers in the country, works in alliance with Cigarrera Bigott – a member of the British American Tobacco group -, which estimates that, in Venezuela, about 4,000 people “depend, to a large extent, on the sowing” of tobacco.

tobacco tradition

In 2003, at the age of 21, Russián, the fifth generation of producers in his family, began managing the farm founded by his grandfather in 1959, located in the state of Cojedes (northwest).

In its production unit, it cultivates tobacco in around 40 hectares, depending on the conditions of each cycle.

In 2023, its production closed at 86,000 kilos, 7.5% more than in 2022, when it was 80,000, indicated the president of Avencultawho expects to reach 110,000 kilos in 2024.

He attributed this optimistic projection to working alongside Bigott experts, who have supported producers in the development of “new varieties of seeds” and “new fertilization methods”.

Cigarettes with national tobacco

From making some imports until seven years ago, today more than 95% of the tobacco that Bigott uses in the production of cigarettes is Venezuelan, which is planted “in different parts of the countryBenzo noted.

He explained that the company grants financing through alliances with tobacco growerswho have the guarantee that their production will be acquired in its entirety by the company.

Last year, national production exceeded 3 million kilos, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2.8 million in 2022, according to company figures.

By 2024, it foresees a greater increase, driven by growth in the cigarette demandso a team in charge of Bigott visited areas of the country last year in search of “new producers“, while investing”in the current ones to increase their production capacity”he added.

Challenges

Russián stated that “one of the most serious problems” they face is smuggling, which threatens “destroy the national market”, since 32% of the tobacco that is consumed in the country is obtained in this way, according to a recent measurement by Bigott.

Given this, he continued, the sector has spoken with the State to “make alliances” and stop smuggling, which “It’s hurting everyone”.

Given this, the sector has spoken with the State to “make alliances” and stop smuggling, which “It’s hurting everyone”, after which the authorities have committed to eliminating this illicit activity, through operations and seizures.

He also pointed out as a challenge that his generation of producers faces the climate changethat “every day it gets a little more complicated”.

However, just like their ancestors, this and the following generations of producers will face “many challenges” that must be expired to continue with this activity.

“All generations have been different and all have had their complexity, (…) and, precisely, being able to adapt to change is what has allowed us, today, to continue in this, and we hope that our children continue to do so. They will have their own challenges.“Russián added.