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.