Tobacco sales reached $15.3 million in just nine days after markets opened. Farmers sold 6.7 million kilograms across auction floors at Lilongwe, Limbe, and Chinkhoma. The AHL Tobacco Sales report shows 66,648 bales traded at about $2.28 per kilogram. These numbers beat last year when sales hit only $14.8 million during the same period.
Tobacco Association president Abiel Kalima Banda tells farmers to expect good returns this season. President Chakwera called tobacco farming vital because it brings foreign money needed for many goods and services. He asked people to respect tobacco farmers for their impact on life in Malawi. Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale mentioned new competitive pricing agreements with buyers to help farmers.
Some farmers protested market opening day, when prices ranged between $1.20 and $3.20 per kilogram. They complained that these prices did not match what they paid for farm supplies. The green gold trade continues as an important part of the national economy. Auction floors remain busy as more tobacco comes to market each day. Local communities depend heavily on income from this cash crop.
Tobacco Association president Abiel Kalima Banda tells farmers to expect good returns this season. President Chakwera called tobacco farming vital because it brings foreign money needed for many goods and services. He asked people to respect tobacco farmers for their impact on life in Malawi. Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale mentioned new competitive pricing agreements with buyers to help farmers.
Some farmers protested market opening day, when prices ranged between $1.20 and $3.20 per kilogram. They complained that these prices did not match what they paid for farm supplies. The green gold trade continues as an important part of the national economy. Auction floors remain busy as more tobacco comes to market each day. Local communities depend heavily on income from this cash crop.
