By Austin Kananji

Lilongwe, April 9, Mana: Malawi`s President, Dr. Lazarus McCathy Chakwera has commended tobacco farmers for their significant contribution to the country's foreign exchange earnings, boosting sectors like agriculture and healthcare.

The President made the remarks on Wednesday when he presided over the Official Opening of the 2025 Tobacco Marketing Season at Lilongwe Tobacco Auction Floors.

Chakwera applauded the farmer’s efforts by bringing forex which is helping the country in different sectors including Agriculture.

"All farmers should feel appreciated as your tobacco has eased this country's suffering by bringing forex which helps us in the exchange of different commodities" He said.

The President said if the country is doing well, tobacco farmers needs to applauded as they have helped him during his tenure as president and promised to continue supporting them until 2030, so that they should feel appreciated and become rich.

Chairperson for Tobacco Commission, Dr. Godfrey Chapola thanked the President for his leadership policies that have resulted in reduced commotion at the floors.

Minister of Agriculture, Samuel Dalitso Kawale said tobacco farmers will be rewarded with good prices for their hard work.

He hailed the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) for playing a great role in the farmer’s success since it boosted their financial muscle enabling them to buy inputs and all materials needed in farming. 

Highest price for barley tobacco sold at the start of the Auction was $3.20 while the lowest got $1.20 per Kilogram.

The 2025 Tobacco Marketing Season has seen a remarkable increase in production, with 170 million kilograms expected to be sold, surpassing last year's 133 million kilograms.

The opening of the Lilongwe Auction floors will follow the opening of Chinkhoma on 11, Limbe on 14 and Mzuzu Auction Floors on 28th April, 2025 respectively.