Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Tobacco Association of Zambia (TAZ) has predicted a reduction in tobacco production in the country and at international level due to the continued regulations from Anti Tobacco lobbyists such as the World Health Organization and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FTCT) to which Zambia is a signatory.
Speaking during the association’s 53rd annual congress in Lusaka today, TAZ president Ant Ford has stated that the world output of the commodity is expected to decline because of the challenges in the regulation of supply and demand from the said organizations.
He has also stated that the lack of financing and rising farmer debt on the local front is also likely to contribute to a reduction in the production of tobacco.
Mr. Ford has however, hailed government’s unwavering support towards the sector.
Meanwhile Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya says Tobacco has continued being one of the strategic crops whose relevance to the country’s social and economic growth cannot be overemphasized if well harnessed.
In a speech read on her behalf by Agriculture Permanent Secretary Julius Shawa, the minister says the Tobacco industry has the potential to grow the economy and improve the livelihood of the citizenry who depend on the proceeds from the crop.
The minister has since stated that government will put necessary and stringent measures in place to ensure that the benefits that the crop gives to farmers, the value chain stakeholders and the nation at large are not compromised.