By Paul Madise

Lilongwe, November 7, MANA: Director of Crop Development in the Ministry of Agriculture, Elida Kazira has appealed to all tobacco industry stakeholders to embrace the implementation of new tobacco practices, saying it is critical in transforming the tobacco industry and the country`s economy.

Kazira was speaking during the official opening of the 2024 Tobacco Industry Conference in Lilongwe on Thursday, which is being held under the theme “Learning from our success and challenges to improve the future” emphasizing that tobacco industry plays a vital role to ensure the sustainability of forex in the country.

In her address, Kazira highlighted the need to reflect on labour practices in tobacco industry stating the implementation of the Agriculture Labour Practice Code which was launched recently in an effort to eliminate child labour in the tobacco industry.

The Director also stressed the need for proper management and interest in tobacco production acknowledging the increased tobacco production in 2023/2024 growing season.

She noted that as of 31st October 2024, the Tobacco Commission had licensed 230 million kilogrammes compared to the 133 million kilogrammes licensed during the last season for the benefit of the country.

“It is sobering to note that the conference in not just looking at lessons from success but from challenges as well” she said. “There is an opportunity to learn from the delayed payment of proceeds to tobacco growers in the 2023/2024 selling season.

Commissioner for Tobacco Commission Dr. Godfrey Chapola appealed for collective efforts and collaboration among tobacco stakeholders to ensure there is a platform for tobacco players in the industry to learn, share knowledge and experience as well as address challenges faced in the tobacco industry

“This gathering here is to share experience and to share knowledge so that we can map and forge forward as an industry.,” he added.

Chairperson for Tobacco Processers Association(TPA) Moffat Hamilton Gama, who is also the Managing Director for Japan Tobacco International(JTI)  advised tobacco growers in the country to consider optimal production to ensure they  offer global market a quality product.

Among other stakeholders, the Tobacco Industry Conference has attracted key players from Tobacco Growers Association(TGA), Banker's Association of Malawi(BAM), Auction Holdings Limited(AHL), Agriculture Research Extension Trust(ARET) and Japan Tobac