This year’s tobacco marketing season, launched in April by the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ), had raised hopes for a profitable harvest. But many small-scale farmers say they have been unable to sell their crop, with some turned away at the gates of buying centres.

"I've been holding onto my tobacco for weeks now," said one farmer from Eastern Province. "They keep telling us they've bought enough. What are we supposed to do with the rest?"

The pause in buying has left some producers questioning whether the current quota system is fair to smaller growers, who often sell their produce later in the season.

While the TBZ has not yet commented on the situation, calls are growing for the government to step in and ensure that farmers are not left counting their losses after months of hard work.

--ChannelAfrica--