Tobacco Board Zambia directed to announce floor price

LUSAKA – President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern directive to the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ), urging the institution to accelerate the announcement of the tobacco floor price well in advance of the impending marketing season. This presidential intervention underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the interests of tobacco farmers, a significant segment of Zambia's agricultural workforce, particularly in regions like Eastern Province. The Head of State's instruction is seen as a proactive measure to prevent the perennial challenges faced by tobacco growers, who often find themselves at the mercy of buyers offering exploitative prices. By establishing a guaranteed minimum price, the government seeks to provide a predictable and fair income for farmers, thereby fostering stability and growth within the tobacco sub-sector. This move is consistent with the New Dawn administration's broader agenda of enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring equitable returns for primary producers across various cash crops. Historically, the late announcement of floor prices has led to considerable uncertainty and financial distress for farmers. Without a clear benchmark, growers are vulnerable to price manipulation, which can undermine their efforts and discourage future investment in tobacco cultivation. The TBZ, as the regulatory body, is mandated to oversee the orderly marketing of tobacco and ensure that farmers receive fair value for their hard-earned produce. President Hichilema's directive is therefore a direct call for the board to fulfill its statutory obligations with greater efficiency and transparency. Tobacco remains an important cash crop for many smallholder farmers in Zambia, contributing to rural livelihoods and foreign exchange earnings, despite global trends towards reduced tobacco consumption. The industry supports thousands of families, from cultivation to processing. Ensuring a stable and profitable marketing environment is crucial