TOBACCO SALES 2011

Tobacco sales this season were the worst. Poor farmers produced more good quality tobacco in return they got peanuts. They could not pay their farm workers. Quarrels were the order of the day. Some poor farmers committed suicide because they could not pay input debts.

The President did not make outburst against buyers as he used to. We simply lost the game. Is it because of anti-smoking lobby. No. a big No. Why?

Our neighbours, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique were getting better prices. Smugglers who were managing to illegally take their tobacco to the markets were making big profits and wealth. Sad though most of them had their tobacco impounded by the watchful police.
What is their next year? I will report.

Malawi economic situation

Things here in Malawi economically have become pathetic. Prices are daily rising. Fuel and electricity (energy resources) are scarce. Forex is almost no where to find. People whisper to inform others where they can find forex, particularly the USD.Production in factories is at 40%. Services are not smooth because of electricity interruptions.

To the disappointment of the masses the government does not have a short term plan to bail us out of this mess. In fact the executive does not accept that there is a problem. They say this year is the most successful year. Really, Why?

The best way is look up to our donor partners. Despite that they face economic challenges, their assistance makes a huge difference. Their assistance targets the poor.
The government must make peace urgently with our donors.