Optimism in Malawi

Officials of Malawi’s Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) are expecting this year’s lower tobacco volumes to result in higher prices, reports The Nyasa Times.

This year’s production is projected at 124.5 million kilograms against the needed 152 million kilograms, according to the TCC.

“We are hopeful that this will push the tobacco prices up; this will give farmers better tobacco prices,” said acting TCC CEO David Luka.

He said the tobacco production has gone down following a decision by the TCC to introduce a quota system for the production of the leaf, the stay of the country’s economy.

Last year, Malawi overproduced tobacco, which forced TCC to extend the marketing season to November. Poor leaf quality further depressed prices.

This year, the tobacco market will open in mid-April.