ALL TOBACCO WILL BE BOUGHT – MINISTRY – Malawi News Online

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development has assured all tobacco farmers in the country that no grower will remain with unsold tobacco by the time tobacco marketing season closes. According to Minister, Kondwani Nankhumwa, government will consider extending days of closing the markets where Limbe, Chinkhoma and Mzuzu Floors.

“I have received reports that some growers are unable to bring their tobacco to the selling floors because their production quotas have been exhausted.” said Nankhumwa, assuring the farmers that their grievances have been heard. He also mentioned of applying quota uplifts. I would like to inform you that there is a provision in the Tobacco Industry Act which the Tobacco Commission uses to effect quota uplifts. I wish to assure all tobacco growers that are affected by this problem that they will be assisted.” he said.

The assurance comes as the new tobacco Act states that sales of excess tobacco will rob the farmers of 75% profit, which will be owned by the Tobacco Commission (TC).