Registration for Malawi Tobacco Farmers Impresses TCC

Source from:  The Maravi Post 09/18/2012

The Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) is impressed with the number of tobacco farmers showing up for registration as they prepare for next season. Speaking Monday in an interview, Dr Bruce Munthali, head of the TCC, said the registration exercise has started at a good note, giving the commission more hope and prospects of more production next season. Without giving more details, Munthali said some local companies have already placed some orders and they expect more competitive international buyers this time around. Responding to Farmers Union of Malawi's recent remarks about TCC's unrealistic tobacco estimates of 152 million kilograms of tobacco last season, Munthali said they revised the figure 152 to 80 million kilograms and the market sold 79 million kilograms. The TCC chief also confirmed that they are still digesting the plastic ban proposal from some international authorities. Meanwhile some quarters have advised government to monitor closely farmer's interest in tobacco farming as there is a need to control the supply to avoid sudden drop in pricing next market season. The 2011 to 2012 season saw 79 million kilograms of tobacco being sold in a season which was officially closed on 14 August. Tobacco is Malawi's main foreign exchange earner. Enditem