1.3.1.b: Tobacco
Add value to tobacco and maintain market leader position in burley tobacco. Other Information:
Medium-term Expected Outcome -- The medium term expected outcome is value addition to tobacco and maintenance of market leader
position in burley tobacco. Tobacco is the main export crop accounting for over 70.0 per cent of total export earnings. However,
over the past several years, there has been a decline in average yields and profitability of Malawi's tobacco. The sub-sector
faces a number of constraints which include widespread use of low quality seed, increased incidences of disease and pests
due to inadequate crop rotation, and significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate curing barn infrastructure. The decline
in profitability is also due to inefficiencies in the current marketing system. The industry also faces regional competition.
Key Strategies -- The main strategy is to increase production of flue cured, NDF tobaccos by rationalization of fees, creating
a more efficient and fair system between farmers and auction houses, strengthening contract farming, and exploring additional
markets for tobacco, including tobacco products. Other strategies include; * Establishing cooperatives, * Promoting tobacco
products processing, * Providing farmers with inputs, and * Enhancing extension services.
Indicator(s):
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