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)