Abstract:
As an agricultural crop, tobacco is important for many countries in the world and depending on
the climatic conditions, it is either a mass crop or it is marginally present. Globally, the
production of all types of tobacco ranges from 6,500,000-7,000,000 tons per year. This
production also includes the final processing of cigarettes, which with the acceptance of the
American blend becomes more international or global, in terms of its quality.
The trade with tobacco raw material in the world is quite stable, i.e. there is a balance between
supply and demand. The market is traditional and, in most cases, perfectly defined. Over 95% of
the tobacco production is spent on the production of cigarettes, while the remaining 5% belongs
to other tobacco products.
Macedonia stabilizes tobacco production. The quantities tend to be kept at around 23,000-28,000
tons of tobacco, which allows better quality.
As a country with its own strategy, Macedonia does not accept a methodology for reducing
tobacco production that is contrary to ensuring the existence of producers and in conditions when
tobacco is replaced by another crop. Climatic conditions and economic effect should be taken
into account. In the regions where tobacco is grown, there are no climatic conditions for other
crops because these places are dry. As for the economic effect, a new crop is accepted only if it
is a viable replacement, i.e. if it provides a livelihood for producers, which is unlikely.
In the Republic of North Macedonia, the achievement of an average production of about 28,000
tons should not be questioned at all. It requires a small effort, both by the society and the
producers and buyers. Our society needs a more efficient definition of the strategy for tobacco
production, as it is a traditionally important crop in our country. This means providing a legal
climate - economic and social, in which production will take place. Thereby, the producer should
strictly adhere to the agreed quantities and varieties of tobacco with the buyer, who in turn
should ensure a constant business purchase policy, which will stimulate production together with
the community.
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