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Tobacco Farmers Demand Better Prices

Tobacco Farmers Demand Better Prices

Farmers in Rumphi have urged tobacco buyers to offer good prices during this year’s marketing season.

Speaking to Zodiak, Jolly Gondwe of Yakwana village in the area of Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe says for a long time tobacco growers have been crying over poor prices and high rejection rate at the market in the country.

Gondwe says tobacco buyers should consider the devaluation of kwacha which led to an increase in the cost of production.

"This farming season tobacco production was very expensive due to high prices of farm inputs. We expect the buyers to consider this as well," said Gondwe.

Another farmer, Rodwell Msiska of Kahami village in the area of Traditional Authority Mwalweni, says it is the wish of every tobacco grower to make profits from this farming.

He says it is sad that for many years farmers in the country have not been able to benefit from tobacco farming despite producing good quality and in high volumes.

Meanwhile public relations officer for Tobacco Commission Telephorus Chigwenembe says his organisation expects that buyers will follow government minimum set prices.

He concurred with farmers that the rising cost of farm inputs has impacted on the production of the leaf this year.

The tobacco market season is expected to open in the second week of April.

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Last modified on Thursday, 30/03/2023

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