The Tobacco Commission (TC) has downplayed concerns over low prices raised by farmers at the start of the 2025 tobacco sales season at Lilongwe Auction Floors in Kanengo, Lilongwe on Wednesday, saying what was offered was way above the minimum.

TC spokesperson Telephorus Chigwenembe told Zodiak a stakeholder meeting agreed before the opening on a minimum price of $1.15 which he said most buyers had beaten on the first day.

Chigwenembe said TC was impressed that prices averaged $1.65.

“We are happy that we have opened the 2025 tobacco selling season. So far, what we've seen is impressive, we've seen that buyers are buying the tobacco way above the minimum uh price.

“We have seen a great one whose minimum price is $1.15. But then it was bought at $1.65 cents , which is really good. So far so good. We're happy with how we’ve started,” he said.

Chigwenembe said to set the price, they look at what farmers have invested in a particular year for them to produce 1 kilogram of tobacco and a price is set to help break even and make some profit.

Nonetheless some economists have sided with the farmers, asking the buyers to increase the prices in line with the devaluation of the kwacha.

Most farmers say they purchased farm inputs at high prices, and may not make profit if the prices remain low.

The market was nearly suspended on Wednesday as farmers yelled in protest. 

Calm only returned when President Lazarus Chakwera entered the floors to inspect the leaf ahead of the official opening of the sales. 

Meanwhile, the commission says it will open Chikhoma Auction Floors in Kasungu on Friday and Limbe Auction Floors in Blantyre on Monday.