Introduction
Tobacco products, in general, have a substantial history linked to the international spread of trade and colonialism. A landlocked country, rich in its cultural heritage, Nepal does not stand far from being influenced by them. The following article, therefore, tries to analyze the history of the cigarette journey in Nepal: starting with transnational tobacco companies, examining their influence on local industries, and analyzing the sociocultural repercussions of tobacco consumption in Nepalese society.
The Early Days of Tobacco
To put the arrival of cigarettes into context, one must look at the introduction of tobacco into Nepal. Tobacco in general has been consumed for thousands of years in a variety of ways across the world. Tobacco leaves are chewed and used as snuff, a practice that predates the arrival of manufactured cigarettes in Nepal.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were the significant period for the world tobacco industry: at this time, the cigarettes as a ready-to-smoke commodity have appeared. Convenient and thus popular, they could be manufactured en masse.
Imperial Tobacco Company and British American Tobacco
In 1983, the first large venture with transnational tobacco companies occurred when the Imperial Tobacco Company and British American Tobacco joined hands with Surya Tobacco Company Private Limited. The partnership ushered in a new era in cigarette availability and production in Nepal. Advanced manufacturing techniques and marketing strategies of these companies boosted cigarette consumption manifold.
Philip Morris International and Seti Cigarette Factory Limited
Just a couple of years later, in 1985, Philip Morris International also entered the Nepalese market through a partnership with Seti Cigarette Factory Limited. This ensured that international tobacco companies started to have a presence within Nepal, bringing in internationally popular brands into the market.
Impact on Local Industry
As the transnational tobacco companies marked their entry into Nepal's market, the country's indigenous industry was significantly influenced. This was due to stiff competition with highly established global giants in commanding resources and expertise that elbowed them out. By implication, local producers began either to adjust through cooperation or to struggle for their mere survival in the emergently fiercely competitive environment.
Marketing and Consumption Patterns
This has also introduced aggressive marketing policies. The advertisements have created a false impression among young adults and women that smoking is a modern and fashionable activity. This helped consumption patterns change drastically as the cigarette became a symbol of status and modernity.
Social and Health Consequences
The widespread availability and heavy, aggressive promotion of cigarettes carried a huge social and health toll. Rates of smoking quickly climbed, as did cases of tobacco-related illnesses: lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. It took considerable time for public health campaigns to respond to the presence of tobacco ads, making it one of the most serious public health problems to face the nation.
Countering Tobacco
Over the last decade, Nepal has started to respond to the public health implications of smoking. The country has introduced graphical health warnings on cigarette packaging, restricted smoking in public places, and put limits on tobacco advertisement. These steps are attempts to reduce the prevalence of smoking and, thereby, its health consequences.
Cultural Implications
The cultural impact of cigarettes in Nepal is multifaceted. On one hand, smoking became ingrained in social rituals and customs, often associated with hospitality and social gatherings. On the other hand, the rise of smoking also led to stigmatization and public health awareness campaigns that emphasized the dangers of tobacco use.
Conclusion
The journey of cigarettes into Nepal is a complex tale of global influence, local adaptation, and significant social and health impacts. From the very beginning of partnerships with transnational tobacco companies to contemporary efforts at stemming tobacco use, the story of cigarettes in Nepal reflects broader trends in globalization and public health.
Ahead
While the tobacco problem in Nepal remains one of the country's challenges, efforts at promoting public health and reducing smoking should be continued. The policymakers and advocates of public health will be better positioned to address the current issues and work towards a healthier future by putting into context the historical background and forces that shaped tobacco consumption in Nepal.
