Tobacco Asia

Tobacco Asia 71 member associations and the millions of farmers ITGA represents: "We need to reinforce the com- mitment between growers' bodies and govern- ments against the demonization of our sector." In Malawi, tropical storm Freddy which origi- nated from the Indian Ocean swept through the southern part of the country affecting 14 out of 28 districts. This forced the President to declare state of disaster in the affected areas. By mid-July, over 114 million kg of tobacco were sold (burley: 98 million kg; FCV: 14 million; and dark-fired: 2 million) for an average of around US$2.35 per kg. In comparison, during the same time last year, 68 million kg of tobacco were sold at an average of US$2.09 per kg. According to the Tobacco Commission, the industry has a five-year plan aimed at increasing production. It is planned that by year 2028, the country should reach 200 million kg. Ultimately, the positive pricing trend is likely to attract more growers in the 2024 season. In 2023, during the Labor Day celebrations in Malawi, TAMA Farm- ers Trust was awarded the Best Organization in Fighting Child Labor in Agriculture. TAMA's c.e.o. Nixon Lita received the award from Mala- wi's President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera. In Zimbabwe, ITGA participated in the Zim- babwe Tobacco Association (ZTA) 63rd Annual Congress, another founder member of the ITGA, where important country-specific dynamics were discussed. Growers voiced their concerns re- garding specific macroeconomic features of the country, including transaction taxes and a variety of tariffs that put an extra pressure on growers. The issue of deforestation was high on the agenda, something that ITGA is also actively working on. Last November, ITGA's c.e.o. Mercedes Vazquez led an afforestation campaign in cooperation with local partners in three of the main tobacco grow- ing districts in the country. ZTA's President, Ryan Swales emphasized the importance of growers' vi- ability and the sustainability of the crop. By mid- July a total of 289 million kg were produced at av- erage price of USD3.03 per kg. While production volume growth is close to 50% on yearly basis, pricing is slightly decreasing (-1.0%). This creates a lot of complications for Zimbabwean growers as cost of production has skyrocketed during the last two seasons. The ITGA also conducted its 2023 Africa Regional Meeting in Zimbabwe. It was officially opened by the guest of honor – the minister of lands, agriculture, fisheries, water and rural devel- opment, Dr. A.J. Masuka (M.P) who highlighted the central role of tobacco growing for Zimba- bwe's economy. Dr. Masuka provided details about the country's Tobacco Transformation Plan 2025 that is supposed to increase value addition of the crop and improve local earnings. Dr. Masuka ITGA president Jose J. Aranda - TAMA Farmers Trust Annual Congress 2023. ITGA with the TCJE in Morogoro, Tanzania, June 2023. aims at record volumes, record earnings and record average prices for tobacco growers. In addition, Dr. Masuka stated that the actions of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) are "ill-informed and ill-timed". "Tobacco in Zimbabwe is an important crop, and we are not making any apologies about it." Going forward this year, ITGA will participate in the InterTabac/Inter- Supply trade fair and be part of the discussions panel. Ahead are also the 2023 Annual General Meeting in Africa and the World Tobacco Growers' Day (WTGD) celebrations on 28 October. ITGA's President Jose J. Aranda calls on governments to support growers in their sustainable tobacco production efforts as the livelihoods of millions of people around the world depend on it. Tobacco growing brings valuable contributions to local economies in the form of labor, income, and further opportunities for growth.

• Cover