According to the Tobacco Commission (TC), the 2019/2020 Tobacco Marketing season will register increased revenue.

TC chief executive officer Kayisi Sadala said the commission is expectant of improved sales due to quality leaf being brought on the market and better sales. “Generally, quality is better than last year. Buyers are offering better prices on contract than last season at the same time.” said Sadala.

However, buyers rejected 50% of the tobacco growers offered for sale and gave even lower prices for the accepted leaf at the opening of sales at Mzuzu Floors yesterday. Sadala said although faced with some teething challenges, the secret bidding system has created competition on the market. He said he is hopeful that prices will pick up and that rejection rate will drop as the market progresses and more buyers come in.