President Lazarus Chakweraon Monday launched the 2023/2024 tobacco market that saw a new company, Nyasa Tobacco buying a bale at U$3.01 per kilogram of burley tobacco.
Speaking at the launch at Chinkhoma Auction Floors in Kasungu, Chakwera said It is very important that we support tobacco farmers because they are the country’s economic drivers as they generate the much needed forex for importing essential goods.
“I will make sure I fight for farmers because I understand that they are the key players in the realization of Malawi 2063 that seeks to make Malawi an independent middle income economy.”
He condemned illegal tobacco trading by some companies and farmers, warning those involved would be hunted and prosecuted.
Chakwera thanked the companies that buy the leaf in the auction floors, requesting them to continue to offer good prices to farmers.
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Chairperson for Tobacco Commission, Godfrey Chapola said the Commission would continue its intensified efforts to be a leading tobacco regulator while his counterpart at Auction Holding Limited, Dan Makata urged farmers to prepare tobacco to meet the expected standards.
Nyasa Tobacco’s Chairman, Konrad Buckle, stated that offering the highest prices to farmers is in line with the company’s vision.
Buckle said he believes that farmers need to receive value for their crops as farming is a challenging job.
He added that all the farmers on the floor were extremely happy, and the President inspected their direct sales. Buckle emphasized that this is the vision they should have.
When asked if his company would reduce the prices after the President had left, Buckle assured journalists that they would not. He stated that his company recognizes the effort that the farmers put into producing the leaf. He stressed that the only way tobacco buyers can reward them is through competitive prices for the leaf.
Buckle affirmed that his company is there to stay, and they are in partnership with the government. They want to make a difference to the growers, and they need to start seeing the benefit. President Chakwera also highlighted that tobacco remains an important crop to Malawi’s economy. He urged buyers to offer competitive prices for the leaf.
Earlier in the day, the President opened the new K930 million Tobacco Commission offices for Kasungu Division before touring a housing project for soldiers at Engineers Battalion in the district.
