Tobacco Market Open With Low Prices

By Vitumbiko Mvula………

Malawi’s green gold tobacco, is fetching low prices at the start of the 2022-2023 season compared to $2.85 per kilo same time last year.

President Lazarus Chakwera officially opened the Kanengo Floors in Lilongwe Wednesday 12 April 2023.

The major export crop has this year started with a highest price lower than last year’s and an average of $1.40 a development that has worried famers.

One of the famers present on the ceremony complained to President Chakwera that the price is low as this year fertiliser was expensive unlike maize famers who benefited two bags of fertiliser in the Affordable farm Inputs Program ( AIP).

Tobacco Association of Malawi president Abel Kalimba Banda said farmers and buyers have accessed the drafted proposal of minimum prices of tobacco and they have not pleased famers.

“Government has increased the price by 5 percent only which is on the lower side considering the production process.” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chakwera expressed optimism with the starting price by saying that his impression is that Malawi are on the right track and more can be done as this is just the beginning.

He also said that he is sure that famers with quality tobacco will smile at the end of the day.

“Those that followed all instructions that were taught and have quality tobacco and will sell their crop on a high prices but those who neglected the advice are the ones that will meet average price.” he said.

Tobacco covers over 40 percent of export earnings in the country and this year Malawi is expected to produce 126 million kilograms of tobacco.