Upbeat Mutharika Says Government will Monitor 2015 Minimum Tobacco Prices in Lilongwe

Source from:  maravipost.com 04/10/2015

President Peter Mutharika has assured tobacco growers that his government will closely monitor the set minimum prices of 2015 tobacco marketing season.

The president made the remarks on Wednesday during the official opening of the 2015 tobacco marketing season at Lilongwe auction holdings floors.

He said the minimum prices have been set by government but they might go higher than expected and urged tobacco growers to remain calm as the market season starts.

"Government has taken further steps to improve the tobacco prices in the country, it is my expectation that these prices might go up and let me assure you that I will be monitoring these prices," said the Malawi President.

President Peter Mutharika said the importance of tobacco to the country's economy cannot be overemphasized hence his interest to closely monitor the minimum tobacco prices.

This year's minimum price for burley is US$0.85 for the lowest grade while the highest grade is expected to attract US$2.50 per kilogram.

Flue cured tobacco has the minimum price of US$ 0.35 per kilogram while the highest is expected to attract US$ 4 per kilogram.

Dark fired tobacco has a minimum price of US$ 0.25 per kilogram for the low grade and US$ 3.40 per kilogram for the highest grade.

On this note the president urged growers to produce good quality tobacco and advised them not to mix their tobacco with sand or stones.

"My government is aware that the tobacco industry is facing many challenges but let me assure you that government will continue to engage in dialogue with stakeholders so that tobacco farmers are protected." Mutharika said.

The president said with the World Health Organization's anti smoking lobbying campaign, the demand for tobacco is slightly lower than in past years and advised farmers to practice crop diversification.

"Tobacco farmers should also grow cash crops like tea, paprika, cotton, macadamia nuts, groundnuts and rice," he explained.

He however said government will continue holding talks with foreign investors to continue buying Malawi tobacco and revealed that a number of foreign companies have already shown interest to invest in the tobacco industry in the country.

The president further warned against the illegal cross border trade of tobacco and has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, the police and the Department of Immigration to be vigilant to curb the malpractice.

"If anybody gets caught in the illegal cross border trade they will be arrested regardless of their position, I will not protect anyone," warned the president.

In his remarks the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Dr. Allan Chiyembekeza said adequate preparations had been done to open markets at Chinkhoma, Limbe and the Mzuzu floors.

He also revealed that his ministry had just finished reviewing the Tobacco Act which will protect farmers from various challenges.

Latest projections show that the country has this year produced 181 million kilograms of all types of tobacco down from last year when 191 million kilograms were produced. Enditem