Agriculture
TAMA optimistic of tobacco market despite Covid-19
February 04, 2021 / Brown Mdalla
Tobacco Association of Malawi (TAMA) says there is still hope for the tobacco industry as demand for the local leaf is high despite a slump in global economy due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
“Demand for Malawi tobacco is still there, all we need is promoting growing using recommended agricultural practices that also include recommended labour practices. Agricultural Extension advisors from different players in the industry are working together to ensure these messages reach the farmer and are adhered to,” said Kalimba.
He, however, said the local tobacco industry has not been spared from Covid-19 which has affected most economic sectors.
Kalimba said in a bid to minimize challenges the industry is currently facing due to Covid-19, TAMA has put in place some initiatives aimed at protecting producers of the country’s prime revenue earner.
He said labour in the tobacco sector is one of the areas that have been affected this season, as farmers are advised to reduce their labour force to decongest their farms as a way of preventing transmissions, which the TAMA spokesperson said is a threat to the industry that requires more people to produce quality leaf.
TAMA in conjunction with the Ministry of Health is currently conducting sensitization meetings with farmers who are advised to follow all preventative measures government set in the fight against the respiratory infection.
“The impact of Covid-19 has not spared any sector including tobacco production. Labour is one of the factors impacted as efforts to have work places decongested are being enforced and there is also labour scarcity where communities have been hit. TAMA is advising farmers to follow government’s set preventative measures so that farm operations do not stall,” explained Kalimba.
Meanwhile, TAMA has suspended this year’s Growers Meeting which is held in February every year, as enshrined in TAMA’s constitution as a prevention measure against the spread of Covid-19.
TAMA in collaboration with Ministries of Health and Agriculture has developed Covid-19 messages which are being distributed to farmers, advising them on how they can help in the fight against the pandemic. The messages are in languages used by targeted farming communities for them to easily understand.
Besides Covid-19, low tobacco prices and World Health Organization’s (WHO) championed anti-smoking lobby are some challenges affecting the tobacco industry which remains Malawi’s top foreign exchange earner.
Share this:
Share this:
Leave a Comment
Comments
Mining & Trade Review News
Agribusiness News
Subscribe to Newsletter
Rehabilitation:
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.
Archives
Remediation:
The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
Stakeholders Logos
