Phiri Opposes Tobacco Auction Floors in Eastern Province

Source from:  The Post (Lusaka) March 2, 2006 Christopher Miti 03/03/2006

LABOUR deputy minister Lucas Phiri has bemoaned the proposed introduction of tobacco auction floors in Eastern Province by the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ). In an interview, Phiri said the introduction of auction floors would lead to farmer exploitation as tobacco prices would go down. "This is a serious issue, I think the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives should travel to Chipata to have an audience with farmers and chiefs over this matter," Phiri said. He said the introduction of floors would bring down the production of tobacco in Eastern Province. "TBZ should not bring auction floors because farmers are against the move. I think farmers' interests should always come first in this business," Phiri said. He said the introduction of floors would mean closing other markets and farmers would be selling their tobacco at one point. "I think there should be an option where other markets can be maintained while floors should be charged with the responsibility of preventing Zambian tobacco from being smuggled to Kanengo in the neighbouring Malawi," Phiri said. He said tobacco-sponsoring companies helped reduce unemployment in the region by contracting most school leavers. "Farmers should sit down with members of parliament, councillors and chiefs to look at such issues and find lasting solutions to the problem of exploitation," Phiri said. During the Nc'wala traditional ceremony, paramount chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province said the introduction of floors would disadvantage farmers in their farming business. The introduction of floors has been received with mixed feelings by the people of Eastern Province. Enditem