Process to review Tobacco ACT still in initial stage- Katambo

Michael Katambo

Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo says the review process of the Tobacco Act is still in the initial stages.

Mr. Katambo says the review of the Act is aimed at addressing some of the key issues negatively affecting the growth of the Tobacco industry in the Country.

Speaking when he officiated at a consultative meeting for Members of Parliament organised by the Tobacco Board of Zambia, Mr Katambo says the review of the Tobacco Act should involve all stakeholders in order that the final outcome of the process is owned by all in the industry.

And Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) Chief Executive Officer, James Kasongo says Zambia’s 2018 total tobacco production is projected at 26 million kilograms.

Mr. Kasongo says of this projected production, 20 million kilograms will be Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) while the remaining 6,000,000Kgs will be burley.

Mr. Kasongo says from FVC production, the TBZ is projecting a net profit of K29, 000 to K100, 000 per hectare.

He says for Burley, the TBZ is projecting a net profit of K11, 000 to K33, 000 per hectare.