©FARMRS CONDEM FOT LOW TOBACCO PRICR

Farmers blamed for low tobacco prices ®The Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) in the Northern region has blamed tobacco farmers for taking to the auction poor quality tobacco which attracts low prices.This follows complaints from the farmers that their tobacco is being bought at low prices and that there is a high rejection rate.But TCC Manager for the Northern region Paul Mwambagi said the problems are due to overproduction of tobacco and poor quality.TobaccoTobacco farmers get the blame.“The low prices and the high rejection rates are emanating from the production of too much tobacco and poor quality,” said Mwambagi.He added that their company is making strides to sensitize the farmers on the importance of bringing to the market high quality tobacco which attracts high prices.Mwambagi further said that despite various awareness campaigns, farmers are still taking poor quality tobacco to the auction.

When he opened the auction floors in Lilongwe, President Mutharika pleaded with tobacco buyers to offer better prices to the farmers but this has been a mere plea as farmers are still worried over low prices and high rejection rates.