East CSPR, TBZ in ‘trade war’
By Staff Reporter
The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction CSPR in Eastern Province says it is shocked to learn that the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) has stopped tobacco companies from running floors during this marketing season.
Provincial coordinator Maxon Nkhoma said it was unacceptable for TBZ to stop companies from running the floors.
Nkhoma said tobacco companies such as JTI had sponsored farmers from the onset when TBZ was not interested in doing so.
“Tobacco companies have been monitoring the farming activities of sponsored farmers to ensure they produce a good crop. The decision by TBZ to run the floors is meant to exploit farmers,” Said Nkhoma .
Nkhoma said this in Chipata during a press briefing yesterday.
On Monday, TBZ Chief Executive Officer James Kasongo announced that the Board would run the floors to ensure that farmers were not exploited.
“The system of allowing tobacco companies to classify, buy and arbitrate without the involvement of TBZ during marketing has been disadvantaging farmers, who are usually reaped off by the companies,” said Kasongo.
