Not only is tobacco in Karnataka grown in areas where once there was a good forest, but also 1.2 lakh tons of firewood are needed every year to cure tobacco leaves. This clearly shows the impact of tobacoo on forests. The State Department of Science and Technology funded a project to National Productivity Council for the study of tobacco curing. The study found that the specific fuel consumption varies from 1.63 to 4 kg of fuel/kg of cured leaf and suggested the following measures for energy conservation;

i) I.L.T.D. (of I.T.C.) uses a heating jacket costing Rs. 600/- only. Use of this reduces consumption of fuel by 10%. Even though this is popular with farmers in A.P., the farmers in Karnataka are not using this. It is essential to popularise this jacket which is simple to fabricate, instal and use;

ii) Proper design of ventillators will reduce fuel use by 20%;

iii) Good housekeeping practices will give a savings of about 5% and