TCC strategises for 2014 tobacco season
Employees of Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) convened at Ufulu Gardens in Lilongwe to draw a roadmap for the 2014 tobacco season, among other key issues.
The staff also took advantage of the meeting to review the industry performance in the just-ended season which saw both tobacco revenue and output increasing as compared to the preceding season.
Malawi earned $361.7 million (about K150 billion) from tobacco at auction floors level, a figure which represents 103 percent higher than the $178 million (K75 billion) earned in the 2012 season.
TCC chief executive officer Bruce Munthali said the review meeting was atteneded by all regional managers, tobacco classifiers, senior arbitrators, tobacco registration teams and heads of departments and sections within TCC.
“We are reviewing the performance in the last season and also we want to draw a roadmap for 2014 tobacco season at TCC level,” said Munthali.
The meeting also discussed the issue of crop size managment in line with trade requirements, how to upscale flue-cured tobacco, the classification of tobacco and marketing issues expected in the next season.
Munthali said next year, Malawi’s trade requirement is forecast at 180 million kg but hinted that production could go even higher than the projected figure.
Last season, Malawi sold 168.6 million kg of tobacco as compared to 79.8 million kg sold in 2012 season, representing 111 percent increase.
Munthali said they also discussed a number of issues pertaining to the welfare of members of staff including how staff can manage tobacco growers.
In the 2013 season, final average prices marginally declined to $2.15 per kg from an average price of $2.22 per kg recorded in the preceding season, representing a 4 percent decrease.n
