LOW TOBACCO PRODUCTION ATTRIBUTED TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

By Kenson McCloud 

The Tobacco Association of Malawi (Tama) Farmers Trust has attributed low tobacco production levels this year to harsh weather conditions.

According to trade requirements, Malawi was expected to produce 154 Million kilograms of tobacco, but estimates indicate the country has managed to produce 115 million kilograms.

In an interview with, TAMA Farmers Trust President, Abel Kalima Banda, said despite registering fair prices on the market, low tobacco volumes will greatly affect the final accumulated revenue by the end of the marketing season.

Banda warned that the country risks losing buyers due to failure to meet demand and he asked for government’s intervention.

He further pleaded to farm input suppliers to reduce prices of fertilizer in order to attract more players in the industry.

The 2022 tobacco season commenced on 31st March 2022, starting with the opening of the Lilongwe Auction Floors.