Media Network on Tobacco (MNT) has called on farmers to adhere to quality standards in order to get better tobacco prices.
In a statement we have seen, MNT president Alfred Chauwa said this follows observations of mixed results in the quality of the tobacco presented at the auction floors in Lilongwe.
On Wednesday, President Lazarus Chakwera launched this year’s tobacco marketing season
“While the day brought excitement and opportunity, it also highlighted some challenges that we, as a Network, feel compelled to address. Notably, we observed mixed results in the quality of the tobacco presented.
“While some products showcased high quality, we noted that several farmers were mixing grades, resulting in some batches being classified as watery. This inconsistency has raised concerns among buyers, who expressed their displeasure with quality and grading standards on the first day of trading.
“As a Network committed to the prosperity of our tobacco farmers, we advocate for adherence to established quality standards and guidelines. This is essential to ensure that our prized Green Gold achieves the highest possible market value. By improving quality, we can enhance our reputation and increase profitability for all farmers involved.
“We also call upon the media to play a role in educating our farmers about the tobacco value chain. Through continued information dissemination, we can empower farmers to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to a successful season for everyone. Let us work together to uphold quality to maximize the potential of our tobacco industry,” he said
