The tobacco market last year opened up not long after the first cases of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, but as a safety measure, farmers were not allowed on the market floors, instead the Tobacco Commission (TC) would sell on their behalf. This year, the farmers will be allowed entry.

 TC Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chidanti Malunga confirmed that farmers will be allowed entry into markets, whilst following guidelines from the Ministry of Health. “We encourage them (tobacco growers) to get a jab, and put on masks and follow social distancing,” Malunga said.

According to AHL Group spokesperson Tereza Ndanga said the market operator will be giving access only to farmers selling on a particular day. On the other hand, the eMsika tobacco marketing system will be available for electronic bidding, a move hailed  to bring about efficiency, transparency and effectiveness. 

Last year, farmers protested their absence on the auction floors.