MalawiEcho

 EDITORIAL Tobacco Season Opens with Mixed Feelings The opening of the tobacco-selling season by President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday marks the beginning of a significant event for the country's economy and agricultural sector. As the tobacco industry prepares for another lucrative season, the president commended tobacco farmers for their significant contribution to the country's foreign exchange earnings that boost sectors like agriculture and healthcare. On one hand, tobacco is a vital source of income for many Malawian farmers, providing a livelihood for thousands of households. The industry generates substantial revenue for the government and contributes to the country's GDP.  As the 2024-2025, tobacco-marketing season opened on Wednesday with the leaf fetching 1 to 3.20 U.S. dollars per kg. Some farmers described the opening prices as "not so bad," but most farmers said they felt robbed, given the current high cost of living and the expenses that tobacco f...