Rupiah yet to honour promises on tobacco

Rupiah yet to honour promises on tobacco
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Sat 04 June 2011, 04:00 CAT

TOBACCO farmers in Eastern Province say they are still waiting for President Rupiah Banda’s promises that tobacco companies will buy all the crop this season.

The farmers noted that about two months have elapsed without seeing the companies that President Banda was talking about.

During the Good Governance programme on Radio Maria on Thursday, Kamkomole farmers block chairperson Naman Mwanza from chief Chanje’s area said tobacco farmers were suffering due to lack of proper markets.

“Up to now, we are waiting for the promises from our respected President, but
it’s like the answer to those promises is not coming forth. The independent
farmers are the ones that are badly affected also,” Mwanza said.

He said a lot of farmers, especially those from Mgubudu area, were stuck with
their produce.

“The future for tobacco farmers is at risk because they have no protection
whatsoever from exploitation. The government should come in through the Ministry of Agriculture, failure to which farmers will not be helped,” said Mwanza.

Headman Mchimila from chief Chanje’s area pleaded with government to ensure that it addresses the tobacco problems.

“When we are complaining like this, government is aware and it should come in as fast as possible. Government has powers to order companies to come and buy
tobacco and at good prices. We are appealing and crying to the government to
solve this problem we are faced with,” headman Mchimila said.

Agriculture minister Dr Eustarckio Kazonga recently requested the tobacco
merchants to buy all the tobacco from both sponsored and independent farmers.
He said the government was very concerned with the low tobacco prices.

The tobacco prices are not attractive to farmers and as government we are very
concerned. But the low tobacco prices are not only affecting Zambia but the
international market as well. The government policy is to reduce poverty, so we
would like to see our farmers prosper,” said Dr Kazonga.