The National Tobacco Authority (NTA) of the Philippines has allocated approximately 17 million Philippine pesos ($306,077) to help marginalized tobacco growers in Ilocos Norte, the Philippine News Agency reported.
At least 160 beneficiaries from Pinili, Batak and Badok towns received grants of Php 6,000 each. The next distribution will continue until all targeted recipients have received cash assistance.
This grant is targeted at growers with an area of 0.5 hectares or less to help reduce production costs. Assistance will cover the cost of fertilizers, crop protection agents, seedlings, rapeseed, land preparation, gas and oil, fuelwood and labour.
Tobacco-growing provinces and cities in the Philippines collect their share of the tobacco excise tax based on the amount of tobacco leaves produced by local tobacco growers.
The National Tobacco Commission of the Philippines also provides assistance for rice production, improved tobacco seedling production, and beef cattle production.
