TOBACCO MARKETING COMPANIES URGED TO OFFER COST REFLECTIVE PRICES TO TOBACCO FARMERS

By Lukundo Nankamba 

Chipangali District Council has called on Tobacco Marketing Companies, Japan Tobacco International -JTI- and Pemba Leaf to offer cost reflective prices to farmers considering the cost of farming inputs and the unpredictable rainfall pattern this year. 

Council Chairperson Maxson Nkhoma says due to the rainfall pattern which made most farmers face a lot of difficulties to produce tobacco, it is important that tobacco companies take into consideration favorable buying prices. 

He notes that tobacco companies are offering $2.65 cents per kg for highest

grade of tobacco which is the same price offered last year, when the dollar was trading at K20 while this year the dollar is trading at K17 against the kwacha in which the drop in the dollar rate will translate into famers giving more tobacco for less money. 

Mr Nkhoma has however assured tobacco farmers in the district that meetings with JTI and Pemba Leaf management will take place this week to lobby for better tobacco flow prices as the current flow prices are unacceptable. 

PHOENIX NEWS