Tobacco Association of Malawi (Tama) President Abiel Masache Kalima Banda has revealed that the firm has developed a five-year strategic plan which will see it opt for other crop value chains apart from tobacco.

According to Banda, Tama is considering re-branding, which will open the association to other crops in its business endeavors. However, he disclaimed that tobacco will remain the primary focus of the company, while looking for additional crops in other business value chains that would assist to support the livelihoods of farmers in Malawi.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Principal Secretary Grey Nyandule-Phiri commended Tama for the new strategy. He said: “Government continues to place high value of the important contribution the tobacco industry has to the country’s social economic development. We remain committed to working with you towards the improvement of the livelihoods of the people of the country.”

The call for re-branding has been made amidst a tobacco market season that has seen low sales, compared to the prior year. Buyers had also called for a 35% lesser supply of tobacco, than what farmers were prepared. Various economic authorities and stakeholders have tipped Malawi to diversify her agriculture, especially viewing more than the usual tea, tobacco, sugar and maize cash crops. On the other hand, international financial experts have further advised Malawi from overdepending on agriculture, as there are more streams of revenue that the country is ignoring.