Prominent tobacco farmer Chishala Chilufya has called for a complete change of leadership at EFAZ, Eastern Fodya Association of Zambia.
Speaking during a live radio programme on Breeze FM, Mr. Chilufya charged that EFAZ is not operating the way it is supposed to operate in representing the interests of farmers.
He bemoaned the dwindling tobacco industry in the region, stating that urgent measures need to be taken to prevent the industry from completely collapsing.
And Mr. Chilufya proposed that TBZ, the Tobacco Board of Zambia introduces a Zone system of running the tobacco industry in Eastern Province.
He says that this will ensure that investment for various tobacco companies is protected unlike the current situation where companies operate anywhere in the region.
Mr. Chilufya says that restricting companies to specific areas is what has assisted Malawi to properly regulate its industry.
Meanwhile Mr. Chilufya, who is also MMD national chairperson for agriculture alleged that the delay to swear in President elect Edgar Lungu has affected payment to farmers, who sold tobacco to TBZ.
He says that although there is no leadership vacuum in the country, President Lungu cannot make certain decisions to facilitate quick release of funds to TBZ.