Tobacco farmers petition Katambo over new SIs
By Staff Reporter
Some tobacco farmers in Chipata have petitioned Agriculture minister, Michael Katambo against the introduction and implementation of Statutory Instrument (SI) number 84 and 85 in the tobacco industry.
Presenting the petition to Chipata District Commissioner Kalunga Zulu, interim chairperson of Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Kenny Mbambara said the farmers wanted an immediate withdraw of the SI’s, as consultations were not adequate with the stakeholders.
“If allowed to be implemented by the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ), the two SI’s will result in tobacco growers in rural areas becoming poorer than they were before,” said Mbambara
He said the two SI’s that ban tobacco companies from running the sales floor were not pro-poor as tobacco growers will suffer more taxes and deductions.
And in receiving the petition, Zulu assured the farmers that their concerns would be channeled to the line ministry.
He praised farmers for opting to get to the negotiating table with government, noting that dialogue was the best way of resolving grievances.
