Tobacco farmers in Tabora, Tanzania, have expressed concerns over the low prices they received for their crop during the last season. According to the farmers, buying companies purchased much of the crop below the official indicative price, resulting in significant losses for the growers. The issue was raised during a one-day Special General Meeting of the Western Tobacco Cooperative Union (WETCU), where farmers from various districts called for stronger regulation of tobacco buyers and greater enforcement of indicative prices.
The indicative price for tobacco was set at 5,160/- per kilogramme, but farmers reported that about 80 per cent of the crop was purchased at 3,175/- per kilogramme. This discrepancy has left many growers struggling to repay loans obtained to finance production, amid rising costs of farm inputs. Farmers from Uyui, Sikonge, and Tabora Municipality have urged the government to intervene and ensure that they receive prices that reflect production costs and the official indicative price.
Ismail Ramadhan, representative of the Mwibiti Primary Cooperative Society from Sikonge District, stated that many companies are exploiting the farmers by offering low prices. He emphasized the need for government intervention to regulate the tobacco buying process and protect the interests of the farmers. The farmers are seeking closer government oversight of tobacco buyers and measures to ensure fair prices.
The concerns raised by the farmers have been acknowledged by the Tabora District Commissioner, Ms Pendo Wella, who assured them that their concerns would be forwarded to the relevant authorities before the start of the new farming season. She also proposed the formation of a joint team comprising WETCU and government representatives to follow up on the complaints with the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government.
The joint team is expected to address the issues raised by the farmers and work towards finding a solution that benefits the growers. The farmers are hopeful that the government will take their concerns seriously and take necessary actions to regulate the tobacco buying process. This would help to ensure that they receive fair prices for their crop and can sustain their livelihoods.
The tobacco farmers in Tabora are not only seeking fair prices but also better working conditions and a more transparent buying process. They believe that the government has a crucial role to play in regulating the tobacco industry and protecting the interests of the farmers. The outcome of the meeting and the proposed joint team will be closely watched by the farmers and other stakeholders in the industry.
The issue of low tobacco prices and exploitation of farmers is not unique to Tabora, but the farmers in the region are determined to find a solution that works for them. With the support of the government and other stakeholders, they hope to achieve a more equitable and sustainable tobacco industry that benefits all parties involved.
Key points
- Tobacco farmers in Tabora, Tanzania, demand fair market prices for their crop, citing exploitation by buying companies and rising production costs.
- The indicative price for tobacco was set at 5,160/- per kilogramme, but farmers reported that about 80 per cent of the crop was purchased at 3,175/- per kilogramme.
- The Tabora District Commissioner has assured farmers that their concerns will be forwarded to the relevant authorities and proposed the formation of a joint team to address the issues.
