The Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union, has expressed worries over coffee smuggling done in large quantities, a crime that has discouraged coffee planters in the region.

The union’s Chief Executive Officer Bernard Kaunda has expressed concern over the coffee price drop by international markets, noting the possibility of further price lowering.

Meanwhile the union is anxious about production, as coffee has suffered a attack in the region, as well as unpredictable rains.

As farmers are being tipped on climate smart agriculture, they are also advised to diversify their production, as international markets are calling for neglected products like pepper, soya beans and many rarely grown products.