Tobacco Commission (TC) says the two-week training it conducted nationwide last December will help farmers to enhance the quality of the leaf and strengthen the country’s position on the global market.
The training sought to address critical compliance issues outlined in the new Tobacco Industry Act which President Lazarus Chakwera signed into law in February last year.
In an interview on Friday, TC spokesperson Telephorus Chigwenembe said the training focused on key obligations for farmers, such as reporting on child labour practices, safeguarding workers’ rights, eliminating the use of non-tobacco related materials, promoting afforestation and encouraging crop diversification.
He said farmers’ compliance with the Act will improve the country’s reputation globally.
“Compliance will safeguard the integrity of Malawi’s tobacco, potentially boosting demand for the leaf,” said Chigwenembe.
Tama Farmers’ Trust chief executive officer Nixon Lita said the training were crucial to addressing bad practices in leaf presentation, such as nesting and cross-border tobacco trade.
“If the market standards are not met, demand for Malawi’s tobacco will decline, translating to lower prices,” said Lita.
Ministry of Agriculture director of crop development Elida Kazira urged farmers to deliver high-quality, well-graded and pure tobacco to meet international demand.
During the last growing season, TC confiscated 5 080 bales or 450 000 kilogrammes of nested tobacco valued at $1.34 million (about K2.3 billion).
Tobacco contributes about 60 percent to forex earnings.
