Tobacco farmers told to improve on quality

AHL Group Limited has challenged tobacco farmers to take good care of their leaf if they are to make meaningful gains from their sweat at the auction floors.

Speaking at a field meeting in Ntcheu on Saturday, AHL Group general manager for tobacco sales Moses Yakobe said that majority of tobacco farmers in the country are unable to realise enough profit from the crop because of poor leaf handling.

“AHL Group is equally concerned that majority of tobacco farmers are failing to breakthrough. As we are preparing for the next growing season, we thought it was important that we offer tips on how they can maximise the benefits from their labour,” he said.

Yakobe said the tobacco auctioneer has also introduced a number of products and services to enable growers to get instant updates on relevant extension services.

“Some of the services include SMS [short message service], tobacco information direct and Mlimi Umoyo Medical Scheme. AHL Group will go round the country to update farmers on these as well as get their feedback on experiences of the previous season,” he said. n