Tobacco rejection rate must not go beyond 20%, says a recommended standard. However, Mzuzu Auction Floors has opened, recording a rejection rate of 39.2% rejection rate, according to a survey by Business News.

 Explaining the massive rejection rate, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Grey Nyandule Phiri, blamed the tobacco farmers for mixing their tobacco grades and providing leaf of high moisture content, while the  growers are as ask government to intervene. “We would like to request government to hold discussions with the tobacco buyers to find out the leading cause to these high rejection rates and poor prices at auction.” said one of the growers.

Despite explaining what may factor the rejection rate, Nyandule Phiri ensured that the Tobacco Commission (Formerly Tobacco Control Commission) will engage the buyers to resolve the issue. The rejection rate at Mzuzu Auction Floors comes in as the currently second highest, following Limbe Action Floors that registered 48%.