April 28, 2021 Alfred Chauwa - Nyasa Times 1 Comment
“People should be made aware of this money.”
Agriculture Commercialisation (AGCOM) has increased its pace by ensuring that more people access the $95 Million matching grants.
AGCOM National Coordinator Dr Teddie Nakhumwa was in Machinga where he was briefing the District committee on the need for more bankable business proposals.
Nakhumwa said Agcom has devised plans to ensure speedy processing of the grants.
He said the project has engaged private consultants to write proposals.
Agriculture Minister Robin Lowe
“They are spread across the country meeting farmers the idea is expedite the process and on top of that we are also using radios and TVs in sensitizing the general public,” he said.
April 26, 2021 Alfred Chauwa-Nyasa Times 3 Comments
Agriculture minister Lobin Lowe has expressed fury over the high rejection rate currently at 72 percent.
Lowe expressed the concern in Limbe Blantyre, when he presided over commissioning of this year’s Limber Auction Floors tobacco marketing season.
The agriculture minister said his Ministry has since summoned all stakeholders to discuss the problem and that he that a lasting solution will be found.
“We are worried with the rejection rate that is why will be meeting with buyers and other,” said Lowe.
Agriculture Minister Robin Lowe at Auction Floors
Lowe has since urged farmers to ensure quality of tobacco is up to date, in order for them fetch more on their tobacco saying buyers are so strict now.
Agriculture minister Lobin Lowe has warned Tobacco buyers against buying Tobacco way below recommended Minimum prices.
Speaking when he opened Chinkhoma Auction Floors in Kasungu, Lowe said Government is expecting that the prices will be good this year because the volume of tobacco produced this year is low.
Agriculture Minister Robin Lowe at Auction Floors
Lowe said: “You know the theory of supply and demand, which says when the supply is low the demand becomes high translating into higher prices and high supply triggers low demand, which translate into low prices.
“Now this year we are expected to realised 120 Million Kilograms of Tobacco which is below what is required on the market for your information the demand is at 133 Million Kilograms. ” added Lowe.
March 17, 2021 Owen Khamula - Nyasa Times 7 Comments
Government has signed a price agreement with tobacco buyers, committing them to buy the leaf not below the agreed prices when the tobacco marketing season starts.
Ministers of Agriculture Lobin Lowe says government expects improved prices this year
The Grade Minimum Prices commits the buyers not to offer tobacco growers anything below the agreed prices.
The government is also expected to announce the minimum price for buying tobacco this year.
Agriculture Minister Lobin Lowe said the sharp drop in tobacco output from 2010, where the country produced 400 Kgs to now where farmers have produced 122 Kgs, clearly shows that the farmers have been frustrated over the years by poor pricing.
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