Natural option to tobacco hits bidi shops

A fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company today launched a natural tobacco alternative product ‘Vardaan’, first of its kind in the country.

Launched by Dalmia Consumer Care, ‘Vardaan’, while mimicking bidis, is free from nicotine and tobacco specific nitrosoamines and 60-odd dangerous chemicals found in tobacco-based bidis, DCC MD Sudershan Banerjee said. ‘‘It simulates the pleasure of tobacco and mimics the kick without any of its ills,’’ he added.

The product has been developed from combinations of five commonly available Indian plants and is priced in the same range as bidis. To prolong its shelf-life, it is packed in plastic pouches in strings similar to paan masala.