Tobacco Cultivation and Bidi Rolling in Mehsana

Mehsana district is one of Gujarat's significant tobacco-growing zones, particularly for bidi tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum, rustica type) used in the bidi cigarette industry. Farmers in the sandy loam areas of Mehsana grow NLS-2 and Gundery tobacco varieties, harvesting leaves in stages from January to March. Tobacco curing (sun-drying) is done on mats in open fields, with families sorting leaves by size and colour for different quality grades. The bidi-rolling cottage industry provides livelihood to thousands of women workers who roll tobacco in tendu leaf wrappers at home, paid piece-rate by bidi manufacturers. Bidi rolling unions have organised workers for minimum wages and health protections. Traditional tobacco use in the region includes homegrown tobacco for hookah (waterpipe) and the practice of dipping tobacco (mawa) which has caused significant oral health problems. Anti-tobacco programmes target bidi-dependent households with alternative livelihood support.