By Suleman Chitera

Malawi’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Honourable Roza Fatch Mbilizi, has called for urgent reforms in the tobacco sector, demanding fair pricing, tighter market regulation, and stronger protection for farmers ahead of the marketing season.

Speaking during a high-level meeting with tobacco buyers on Friday, Mbilizi expressed concern that many farmers continue to earn little from their produce despite tobacco remaining the country’s top export crop.

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“It is not nice to see farmers not benefiting. We want to see farmers benefiting and progressing,” she said, emphasizing government’s responsibility to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.

Push for Fair Pricing

Mbilizi warned buyers against manipulating prices, particularly through undergrading tobacco leaf, a practice she said undermines the integrity of the market and robs farmers of deserved income.

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She stressed the need for a fair and transparent pricing system that guarantees reasonable profit margins for growers.

Stronger Market Regulation

The Minister also underscored the importance of improving market systems, saying Malawi has the potential to establish a well-organized and efficient tobacco trading environment.

She urged buyers to address operational challenges before the marketing season begins to ensure smoother transactions and better outcomes for farmers.

Government to Control Supply and Imports

In a decisive move to protect local producers, Mbilizi announced that government will take steps to control tobacco production volumes and manage market supply.

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She further declared that tobacco imports will not be allowed until all locally grown tobacco has been sold, a policy aimed at prioritizing Malawian farmers.

Diversification and Long-Term Sustainability

While reaffirming tobacco as a key pillar of Malawi’s economy, Mbilizi encouraged farmers to diversify into alternative crops to build resilience against market fluctuations and global pressures.

Call for Stakeholder Support

The Minister challenged tobacco buyers and industry stakeholders to play a more active role in supporting farmers through improved agronomic practices, input support, and technical assistance to enhance quality and yields.

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She noted that attracting more buyers into the market would help absorb production and stabilize prices.

“It is the shared responsibility of government and tobacco buyers to improve farmers’ lives,” Mbilizi said.

Mbilizi concluded by pledging a transparent, well-regulated tobacco market this season, with continued dialogue between government and private sector players to strengthen the industry for sustainable growth.

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