Tobacco price hiked, dealers refuse to sell
The coming growing session might be affected by the lack of seeds tobacco farmers are currently facing. Photo: CC
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The chairman for Nsajo farmers union, Mr Hamis Musa, said the delay in distributing tobacco seeds might affect production in the coming season.
Dar es Salaam. Tobacco dealers are concerned about Tanzania Tobacco Board's (TTB) move to raise prices from $2.2 to $2.48 per kg. This has resulted in a reluctance by dealers to supply seeds to tobacco farmers which will in turn impact this growing season.
Tobacco dealer, Mr Wilson Urio, called on TTB to involve dealers in decision making.
He called for a dialogue between TTB and dealers in order to set prices which wouldn’t affect sellers and buyers. “Although we have already purchased tobacco seeds, we aren’t distributed them until the misunderstanding about prices is settled,” said Mr Urio.
However, TTB Chairman Said Nkumba urged dealers to distribute seeds as the board is still deliberating on their concerns.
The chairman for Nsajo farmers union, Mr Hamis Musa, said the delay in distributing tobacco seeds might affect production in the coming season.
