Barely a week after President Lazarus Chakwera opened the tobacco market for this year, some farmers have cried foul over delays by the authorities to pay them dues after selling their crop.
One of the farmers, Msaiwale Zakaria, who sold 70 bales of tobacco at Chinkhoma Auction Floors in Kasungu, told The Daily Times Tuesday that many farmers are saddened to note that the authorities are silent on the issue of payment.
“Since selling our tobacco at Chinkhoma on the first day, we have not received our dues. We have tried to query the authorities, to no avail, but we were assured that the dues would be paid within 24 hours after sales,” Zakaria said.
He said the situation has affected their lives as they are failing to sort out a number of issues.
“We have children who are in need of school fees and other necessities but we are failing to provide for them as we are yet to get our dues,” he said.
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Another farmer, who only identified herself as Ruth, said they are banking on the dues to iron out problems.
“We wish the authorities could have paid us yesterday,” she said.
Tobacco Commission spokesperson Telephorus Chigwenembe said the commission has engaged relevant stakeholders to address the problem.
“Yes, payments to farmers have been delayed in some cases. We are engaging relevant stakeholders to identify the source of the challenge and to explore solutions. We assure farmers that this will be resolved quickly,” Chigwenembe said.
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According to Chigwenembe, farmers are supposed to get their dues not later than two days after sales.
He disclosed that the commission is committed to addressing challenges that have hit the market.
“In all fairness, where systems and processes are involved, we cannot run away from certain challenges. It is pleasing that we, as an industry, have been able to resolve any challenge encountered during marketing seasons. We have been able to do that because of meaningful engagement with stakeholders,” he said.
However, agriculture policy expert Leonard Chimwaza said delayed payment to farmers has the potential to negatively affect the country’s tobacco industry.
“Late payment on last week’s tobacco sales is bad news to most tobacco farmers across the country and to the industry as well. Tobacco farmers need money to prepare their land and buy other agro-inputs for the next tobacco growing season. Delayed payment on tobacco sales reduces profits, increases the likelihood of bankruptcies and even stifles economic growth,” Chimwaza said.
