Rejections on opening day

Farmers at the Mzuzu Auction Floors in Malawi suffered high rejection rates as the tobacco market opened on May 6.

Merchants bought only 1,102 bales of the 1,723 bales offered for sale, with some of the rejected bales being sent back for regrading.

The highest price was $1.75 per kg while the minimum was $0.90 per kg.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Development Gray Nyandule Phiri told farmers that the price will rise as the marketing season continues.

“Don’t worry with the price that you are receiving today because many bales you are selling today are from bottom leaves,” he said. “We are sure the prices will be adjusting up when the market goes on.”

The Tobacco Association of Malawi advised farmers to avoid mixing different types of tobacco to prevent rejection at the market.