Second survey on tobacco rolls out

Second round of the nationwide tobacco estimate survey for the 2023/2024 farming season rolled out on Monday, February 26.

This comes barely three weeks after first round survey which showed 21% increase in tobacco production. 

According to a statement released by Tobacco Commission (TC), stakeholders will look forward to results for the second round amidst concerns about dry spells in some parts of the country. 

A report on the first round of crop estimate survey, showed the country’s fields have 146 million killogrammes of tobacco up from 126 million killogrammes of tobacco which was realized in 2023.

The report attributed the projected improved production to increased to increased hectarage due to prices offered in 2023, increased number of growers, increased sponsorship and availability of inputs. 

Tobacco estimate surveys in Malawi are conducted by industry players and are coordinated by Tobacco Commission. 

The second round of the crop estimates survey is scheduled to be completed on March 15.