TC predicts lower tobacco production than initial projections

The Tobacco Commission (TC) is forecasting a decline in tobacco production this season, falling short of its initial projection of 160 million kilogrammes.
According to the commission’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Evance Chilumpha, the reduction is due to dry spells that affected some parts of the country.
However, he remains optimistic that production will range between 140 and 150 million kilogrammes, which would still surpass the 133 million kilogrammes recorded last season.
Chilumpha attributes the expected increase to a rise in the number of new growers, leading to an expansion in the total hectarage under cultivation.
“Despite some challenges, we are optimistic that this season’s volume will exceed last year’s, thanks to more farmers joining the industry—a positive development for the sector,” said Chilumpha.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedicto Chambo is urging farmers to adopt irrigation farming, which he believes is key to increasing yields and promoting crop diversification.
“Diversification can only be achieved through modern irrigation techniques, enabling multiple harvests per year—a benefit both at the household and national level,” said Chambo.
The projected increase in tobacco production is a positive sign for Malawi’s agro-based economy, as tobacco remains the country’s top foreign exchange earner.