Mutharika opens 2016 Tobacco Selling Season: Appeals for better price from buyers

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has today officially opened the Tobacco Selling season in the capital Lilongwe with an appeal from buyers that they should offer good price.

Mutharika made the call at Kanengo Auction Floors, saying his government is determined in promoting Tobacco industry in the country.

“As farmers, we worry about the high price of farm inputs; we worry about the low price we get paid; we worry about drought and climate change. We think about our survival.

As Government, we think about our farmers; we think about our tobacco investors; we think about the economy. We think about the lives of the people.

“The first thing we need is a good economy for our farmers, our investors, and for everyone. We need an economy that grows with stability. And we are getting there. The International Monetary Fund just confirmed that we are turning round the economy. Rest assured, we will stay the course,” said Mutharika.

He added: “Most urgently, we demand uncompromised quality of the leaf from every farmer. And we demand fair pricing that profits our farmers. But questions of quality and pricing are symptoms of deeper issues. Let us proceed to cure the causes beyond treating the symptoms. This is the philosophy of my leadership.”

While admitting that the Tobacco industry is facing numerous challenges, Mutharika called for regulations to protect Malawians farmers.

“In the long vision, the tobacco industry demands three cardinal actions. We must create better regulation of the industry. We must provide affordable fertilizer for the farmers. And we must protect our farmers from drought and climate change. Let us tackle the big demons first, and once for all. That is what a long range vision must do.

“First things first! Regulate the industry more efficiently. The Tobacco Act is outdated, and a review was already conducted. Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Justice – this is your call! Parliamentarians – here is your duty! We must regulate new developments such the Integrated Production System (IPS) to support tobacco investors, protect quality and protect our farmers,” said Mutharika
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Mutharika has also warned Minister of Agriculture Dr. George Chaponda to clean up the mess in the Tobacco Industry or risk losing his job.

Meanwhile sales have started on the low note with most of the farmers expressing dissatisfaction.