By Wezzie Gausi:
Traditional leaders have asked President Lazarus Chakwera to extend this year’s tobacco marketing season to next week Friday, saying many farmers still have unsold leaf.
The call was made by Traditional Authority (TA) Mponera during Chakwera’s whistle-stop campaign meetings at Chimwanza Trading Centre in Dowa District Thursday.
Mponera said closing the markets this week would disadvantage farmers who have not yet sold their crop.
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He also appealed to the government to ensure that this year’s Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) begins on time to give farmers ample time to purchase farm inputs.
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“Farmers will be left stranded if the market closes on Friday, when some tobacco will still be in warehouses. People will also be happy if AIP starts early so that they can plan properly for the new season,” Mponera said.
In response, Chakwera said he had taken note of the concerns raised and would consult relevant officials to consider the extension.
“I have heard what the chief has said. We will sit down with the authorities responsible and look into the matter,” Chakwera told people at the rally while urging Malawians to vote for him in the September 16, 2025 Presidential Election.
On Thursday alone, Chakwera visited nearly 10 trading centres in Dowa.
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Meanwhile, this year’s tobacco season has been marked by strong demand and higher earnings.
By July 2025, Malawi had realised $441.1 million from the sale of 172.9 million kilogrammes (kg) of tobacco, according to market reports.
Farmers were licensed to produce up to 220 million kg, reflecting a rise from last season’s 177 million kg.
However, with the market scheduled to close this week, some farmers remain concerned that they will be left with unsold leaf unless the period is extended.
