By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia:
Output for tobacco— Malawi’s top export crop—is projected to rise by 30.84 percent compared to volumes sold in 2024, a report on the first round of tobacco estimates show.
In a statement, tobacco industry regulator, Tobacco Commission, said according to the nationwide survey conducted between January 13 and January 31, Malawi is expected to produce a total of 174.4 million kilogrammes (kg) of tobacco this year.
This is a marked increase from the 133 million kg sold in 2024.
The report attributes the anticipated rise in production to several factors, including increased cultivation area and a higher number of growers, spurred by favorable prices offered in 2024, enhanced sponsorship and availability of inputs and labor.
“Based on the projections and on increased demand for Malawi tobacco, the Tobacco Commission expects an exciting season,” the statement reads.
The preliminary demand for Malawian tobacco this year is estimated at 213 million kg, up from the previous year’s trade demand of 190 million kg.
Tobacco estimate surveys in Malawi, coordinated by the Tobacco Commission, involve various industry stakeholders, including buying companies, grower associations, and research institutions. The commission says the second round of tobacco estimate surveys for the 2024- 25 farming season will be conducted from February 24 to March 15.
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