Chinkhoma opening prices excite growers

Tobacco growers were excited at opening tobacco prices offered at Chinkhoma Auction Floors in Kasungu on Wednesday.

Good quality tobacco fetched as high as $2.35 (about K940) whereas poor quality leaf was sold at 90 cents (K360).

Lilongwe Auction Floors offered almost the same prices when President Joyce Banda opened it on Monday.

One of the growers, John Banda from Kamphulu in the district could not hide his excitement.

“Today’s auction is different from that of last year when a lot of tobacco was returned and sold at 50 cents or below.

“I am happy with prices at which I have sold my tobacco. I am, however, hopeful that the prices would continue as auction progresses,” he said.

Another grower, Kingston Zimba, from Lisasadzi in the district also said he sold eight bales at prices ranging from $1.20 to $1.40 with only one fetching 90 cents.

“I expect better prices than these as the auction progresses,” said Zimba.

Tobacco Association of Malawi president Reuben Maigwa was also happy with the prices.

“The market has started well. The prices reflect the quality of tobacco and both growers and buyers are happy. This is what we expect as we go on,” said Maigwa.

He said prices may go as high as $4 or $5 as the auction continues.