Eastern Fodya Association of Zambia EFAZ has dismissed statements that it has failed to adequately represent farmers in Eastern Province.
Chairperson Franklin Mwale has told Breeze News that the association has always done its best to ensure that the interests of farmers are protected.
Mr. Mwale explained that EFAZ should not be blamed for the dwindling tobacco industry in Eastern Province because it is a global problem.
He explained that the global Anti-Smoking Campaign has adversely affected the sector because international tobacco companies have reduced their operations.
Mr. Mwale says that during a stakeholders meeting held last week in Lusaka, TBZ, Tobacco Board of Zambia indicated that there was currently over supply of burley tobacco on the international market but shortage of flue cured tobacco.
He advised farmers to register with TBZ, stating that this is the only way that farmers will be assisted with market and information on what type of crop to grow.