Tobacco firms aid poor

Tobacco firms aid poor

BOJONEGORO, East Java: Tobacco firms in Bojonegoro have pledged to contribute Rp 5 for every kilogram of tobacco they buy from local farmers toward a fund to help eradicate poverty.

Bojonegoro regency chief Imam Supardi welcomed the initiative and said it would help ease the conditions of those living below the poverty line.

Some of the money will filter down to tobacco farmers themselves, and therefore the scheme is mutually beneficial to both parties, Imam was quoted by Antara as saying.

The pledge was made during a meeting of the regency's board which is made up of government, military and public leaders of the regency. (emb)