Malawi will tighten oversight of the tobacco market to protect farmers and support more stable pricing, Agriculture Minister Roza Fatchi Mbilizi told an industry meeting in Lilongwe, according to Nyasa Times. Nyasa Times reports that Mbilizi, speaking at the Tobacco Industry Conference at Capital Hotel, said the ministry, through the Tobacco Commission, will strengthen production discipline, improve farmer registration and data management, and better align production planning with market demand, including enforcing recommended volumes to avoid overproduction that can depress prices.
Nyasa Times reports that the minister also called for stronger action against illegal vending and cross-border tobacco smuggling, urged adherence to contract arrangements between farmers and buyers, and said irrigation development is a priority to reduce reliance on erratic rainfall and stabilise output. The same report was republished by allAfrica, attributing the story to Nyasa Times.