A 2020 tobacco production second assessment report shows that Malawi is expected to produce 154.7 million kg of all tobacco types, representing a 6.62% decline in tobacco production.

According to the report, the decline in production has been attributed to impact from excessive rainfall that led to leaching of crop nutrients thereby negatively affecting the crop potential and yields. Earlier this year, Chief Executive Officer of the Tobacco Association of Malawi (Tama), Felix Thole, had forewarned that the persisting heavy rains would negatively affect the tobacco industry, considering that such rains may affect the growth of the green gold.

The report also shows that another contributing factor to the lowered tobacco production is due to grower withdrawal which was influenced by low prices experienced in the 2019 marketing season. Nevertheless, the Commission claims that the decline in production will result in attractive prices this year.