The tobacco market has opened with a highlight as President Peter Mutharika declared that every farmer’s first 10 bales of tobacco will be free of tax.

This was announced during the official opening of this year’s tobacco season at Kanengo Auction Floors in Lilongwe. “Farmers bring the most currency to build the country’s economy. Remember that our economy is founded on farming” said Mutharika, attributing the tax lift to boosting smallholder farmers so that the country should continue to realize more profits.

Alongside Tanzania President John Magufuli, Mutharika urged tobacco buyers to have fair prices. “Tobacco buyers who dupe farmers by offering low prices will not be tolerated” said Mutharika. “Buyers should propose better prices, despite the set limit prices” urged Magufuli.