By 
Chief Chanje of Chipangali District in Eastern Province has described the 2024–2025 tobacco marketing season as the worst in recent memory, accusing field officers of corruption and exploitation.
In an interview with Zambia Monitor, the traditional leader lamented that many farmers were spending nights outside company sheds with their tobacco due to delays in payment and poor coordination.
Chief Chanje criticised the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) for failing to address persistent complaints from farmers, accusing it of neglecting its regulatory responsibilities.
“There is too much corruption. If someone wants to sell their tobacco, field officers are taking advantage by demanding bribes to assist farmers in getting their produce accepted,” he said.
He further complained that some companies were rejecting tobacco because of the lack of Hessian sacks used for packaging, yet the same companies were not providing them.
“Where do you expect farmers to get Hessian sacks when the companies themselves say they don’t have them? This is just troubling farmers. Many companies have come on board, but nothing is working,” the chief stated.
Chief Chanje called on government to intervene urgently and restore order to the tobacco marketing process, warning that farmers risk losing their hard-earned income.
“Many farmers have already wasted money paying field officers to facilitate sales. This is unacceptable. Some farmers baled their tobacco as early as April, yet companies have not sent transport to collect it. Workers are even clashing with their supervisors over the delays,” he said.
The traditional leader urged TBZ to step in and protect the interests of farmers by ensuring they can sell their tobacco to legitimate buyers.
“What is the role of the Tobacco Board of Zambia? It’s supposed to regulate the market and help find buyers for the farmers, but nothing has been done this year. We feel abandoned, and TBZ must explain why this situation is being tolerated,” Chief Chanje said.
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