Growers in the state of Gujarat are unable to sell their crop due to a production halt by bidi and cigarette makers in April, the peak of selling season, the Economic Times said.

If monsoon rains arrive before the crop is sold, farmers may suffer a near total loss, the Times said. Manufacturers halted production after the government mandated 85 per cent health warnings on the front and back of cigarette, bidi and chewing tobacco packs from 1 April. The majority of Gujarat tobacco reportedly is used in bidis.