Agriculture
TC forecasts better tobacco prices
March 01, 2021 / Brown Mdalla
The Tobacco Commission (TC) says it expects an improvement in tobacco prices during this year’s selling season.
CEO Chidanti Malunga said in an interview that TC in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture is doing everything possible to ensure that farmers benefit from their works by, among other things, ensuring that they are offered attractive prices.
He said one way of making sure that farmers are supported is by setting minimum buying prices every year for buyers to adhere to.
Malunga, however, expressed worry over the reduction in number of tobacco farmers who registered to grow the crop this season. Reports indicated that the number of growers this season has gone down by 5% when compared to the number of farmers who registered last season.
He, therefore, said TC has developed strategies designed to increase the number of tobacco farmers during the next growing seasons.
Tobacco Association of Malawi (TAMA) Spokesperson Sam Kalimba commented that the number of farmers interested to grow tobacco was declining because of low market prices for the leaf and World Health Organisation championed anti-smoking lobby.
Kalimba, however, said despite challenges the industry is facing, there is still hope for the local leaf which he said still enjoys huge demand. But he urged farmers to produce the leaf in line with trade demand and following all good agricultural practices.
“There is still huge demand for local tobacco and what is required is growing the leaf using good agricultural practices, including recommended labour practices,” said Kalimba adding that agricultural extension advisors are also critical in ensuring quality production by participating farmers.
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The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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