Maravi

East minister calls for better tobacco marketing

East minister calls for better tobacco marketing
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Mon 16 May 2011, 11:10 CAT

TOBACCO out-grower companies and Tobacco Board of Zambia should ensure that tobacco marketing is improved, says Eastern Province minister Isaac Banda.

Commenting on complaints by tobacco farmers over the purported low prices offered by some companies, Banda said farmers should benefit from their sweat. He said tobacco was a lucrative business that added a lot of value to the economic welfare of the peasant farmers in the province.

Banda said farmers were also eager to start harvesting maize in the province.
Recently agriculture minister Dr Eustarckio Kazonga said the government would ensure that farmers were not exploited.

Dr Kazonga’s response came in the wake of complaints from tobacco farmers who also suggested to government to suspend marketing in order to deal with their concerns on low prices.

Labels: TOBACCO

posted by MrK @ 4:54 PM