UP tobacco traders too join protest against 85% pictorial warning

Lucknow, Apr 25 (KNN) After the protests by tobacco traders in the southern part of India, Uttar Pradesh tobacco traders too have joined the nationwide protest against the new central rule to implement 85 percent pictorial health warning on tobacco products in India.

While the experts say that the new rule would not force the cigarette users to shift to bidi, but it would surely encourage trade of smuggled cigarette etc.

This would hurt the micro retailers largely.

The traders' body including the tobacco farmers have demanded an immediate rollback of the order in the larger interests of over 45 million people dependent on tobacco industry for their livelihood. 

At present, the cigarette packets have to carry 40 percent graphic health warning in India. 

There are an estimated over half million traders, retailers and pan sellers selling tobacco products across UP. (KNN Bureau)